Question 1

Can I get by with just one whetstone?

Accepted Answer

Yes – but it's a compromise. With just one stone you can keep an edge functional, but you won't get it truly sharp. If the blade is damaged, a general-purpose stone likely won't have enough cutting power to remove the damage. If you want a complete solution in one purchase, look for a set that includes both sharpening and finishing – and most importantly, a flattening stone, without which things stop working properly very quickly. A full-size stone makes a surprisingly significant difference in efficiency and ease of sharpening compared to cheap entry-level stones.

Question 2

Which two whetstones should a beginner choose?

Accepted Answer

The best and most reliable combination is a medium-grit stone plus a finishing stone. One stone forms the edge, the other makes it truly sharp. That's why the Naniwa Professional 800 + 3000 is the choice of many professionals. With this combination you can quickly restore a dull edge and bring it to a genuinely sharp finish – not just 'good enough.'

Question 3

Which whetstone is right for me?

Accepted Answer

It depends entirely on what you're sharpening. Soft kitchen knives (such as Fiskars), hard Japanese carbon steels, and hunting knives or tools all behave differently on a stone. If you don't want to think too hard about it, a ready-made set works on virtually all blade types. Not sure? Tell us what you sharpen and we'll give you a direct recommendation.

Question 4

What is the most common mistake beginners make with a whetstone?

Accepted Answer

By far the most common mistake is starting with too fine a grit. A 1000/3000 stone sounds good – but it's not enough if the blade is genuinely dull. In many households, the most challenging blade to sharpen is an old hunting knife from the 1950s or 60s – tough high-carbon steel blades that basic cheap stones simply can't touch. The result: time wasted, nothing happens, frustration. The solution is simple: add a coarser stone (220–500 grit). It does the work that a 1000-grit stone cannot.

Question 5

Are whetstones flat? Do they need to be flattened?

Accepted Answer

A new stone is ready to use, but it will not stay flat without regular flattening. All stones wear with use – that's completely normal. If you don't flatten your stone, the sharpening angle changes, the blade doesn't make proper contact, and the result suffers. Flattening is not an optional extra – it's an essential part of sharpening.

Question 6

What is the best flattening stone for whetstones?

Accepted Answer

For a reliable choice, the Atoma 140 and 400 work on virtually all stones, including hard and fine-grit ones. For the best value for money, the Suehiro 280 is extremely effective in use.

Question 7

What do the different whetstone grits mean?

Accepted Answer

Under 400 grit: repair, chips, completely dull edges. 400–1000 grit: main sharpening – this is where you form the edge. 3000+ grit: finishing and fine-tuning sharpness.

Question 8

Where do your whetstones come from?

Accepted Answer

The majority of our stones come directly from manufacturers in Japan, including Naniwa, Shapton, Morihei, Suehiro, Kensho and Atoma. Haidu stones come from their manufacturer in Hungary, and Hiomakivi Pack products from China.

Frequently Asked Questions – Whetstones, Sharpening and Stone Selection