Whetstones

Whetstones at eBladeStore.com help keep your knives in top cutting condition for ease of use and safety! Whetstones are the traditional way to sharpen your knife by using oil stones, water stones or diamond stones with a variety of different sharpening stones available for your particular needs. If you’re familiar with using a whetstone you know this is a tried and true method for ultimate sharpening. If you’ve never used a whetstone, now is the time to try it. You’ll be delighted with the improvement in your knife’s edge and polished finish.

There are many different types of whetstones to choose from including Arkansas whetstones, fine grit whetstones, course grit whetstones, extra fine grit whetstones, extra course grit whetstones, diamond whetstones, benchstones, pocket stones, and ceramic whetstones. Pick your favorite or try out several to see which style works best for you.

Whetstones at eBladeStore.com make great gifts. From avid outdoorsmen, to cooks and crafters, everyone needs to keep sharpened knives for all their cutting needs.

Oil Stones, Water Stones & Diamond Stones

Pros & Cons

Oil Stones
Pros:

  • Good overall performance
  • Modestly priced
  • Relatively hard, so the stones rarely require flattening
 Cons:

  • Slower cutting rate (opposed to Water or Diamond stones)
  • The fact that oil is used to remove the swarf (metal filings) is messier to clean up than water
Water Stones
Pros:

  • Faster cutting when compared to Oil Stones
  • The use of water rather than oil to remove the swarf (metal filings) from the stone
 Cons:

  • The softness that promotes fast cutting also wears the stone down more quickly
Diamond Stones
Pros:

  • Fastest cutting when compared to oil or water stones
  • Flatness is retained by diamond stones (also used to flatten water or oil stones)
 Cons:

  • Initial cost (While these stones are the most expensive, they will also last a long time, so the long-term cost can be comparable to other stones)

Select The Right Bevel Angle For A Knife or Tool

Here’s a quick guide for putting the best bevel angle on your knife or other bladed tools. Sharpness and durability are the two factors when deciding on a sharpening bevel angle. Generally speaking, the lower the angle, the sharpener the edge. But, it will also become less durable – hence, be more prone to chipping. If you’re not sure, a 20-25 degree angle is a safe starting point for most knives.

Type of Knife of Tool Recommended Angle
  • Cleaver
  • Machete
 30 – 35 Degrees
  • Hunting Knives
  • Pocket Knives
  • Survival Knives
  • Sport Knives
 25 – 30 Degrees
  • Chef’s Knives
  • Kitchen Knives
  • Smaller Knives
  • Boning Knives
  • Carving Knives
 18 – 25 Degrees
  • Fillet Knives
  • Paring Knives
  • Razors
  • X-Acto Knives
 12 – 18 Degrees
Article taken from eBladeStore.com