Knowing how to spot the difference on your sharpening stone is key to getting the best edge on your knife. Many folks own a sharpening stone but don’t know what kind they have or how to use it right. This guide will help you spot the main types of stones, know their grit levels, and pick the best one for your needs.
Whether you own a fancy kitchen knife or a basic tool, the right stone makes all the difference. From water stones to oil stones, and from fine to coarse grit, each stone has its own traits. Let’s dive into how you can tell them apart and get the most from your sharpener.
Types of Sharpening Stones
Water Stones
Water stones need a good soak before use. These stones cut fast and make quick work of dull knives. They feel softer than other stones and wear down more quickly.
How to spot them:
- They often have a lighter color
- They need water before use
- They feel somewhat soft to the touch
- They create a slurry when used
Water stones work well for kitchen knives that need frequent touch-ups. Many top chefs prefer them for their speed and the fine edge they create.
Oil Stones
Oil stones are a classic choice that has been around for ages. As the name hints, they use oil rather than water as a lubricant. They cut more slowly than water stones but last much longer.
How to spot them:
- They have a darker color (often brown, gray, or black)
- They feel harder than water stones
- They need oil for best results
- They tend to wear down more slowly
Many Norton brand stones fall into this group. They work well for all kinds of knives but take more time to create an edge.
Arkansas Stones
Arkansas stones are a type of oil stone made from a special rock called novaculite. They come from the state of Arkansas and are known for their high quality.
How to spot them:
- They range from white to black in color
- They have a very smooth feel
- They are among the hardest natural stones
- They often have a higher price tag
Arkansas stones are great for final polishing and putting a razor edge on a knife.
Whetstones
The term “whetstone” can cause some mix-up. It’s not a type of stone but rather a name for any stone used to sharpen knives. Both water stones and oil stones are types of whetstones.
A whetstone knife sharpener can be any of the types we’ve talked about. The word “whet” simply means “to sharpen.”
Diamond Stones
Diamond stones use tiny bits of diamond on a metal plate. They cut very fast and don’t wear down.
How to spot them:
- They have a distinct grid pattern on the surface
- They feel rough to the touch
- They often have a metal base
- They may shine or sparkle under light
These stones work well for very hard steels and for fixing badly damaged edges.
Understanding Grit Ratings
Grit is a key factor that sets stones apart. It tells you how fine or coarse a stone is.
What Grit Numbers Mean
The higher the grit number, the finer the stone:
- Coarse: 100-400 grit
- Medium: 800-2000 grit
- Fine: 3000-8000 grit
- Ultra-fine: 10,000+ grit
A knife sharpener with multiple grit levels lets you work from coarse to fine for the best edge.
How to Spot Grit by Look and Feel
You can often tell a stone’s grit by just looking at and touching it:
Coarse stones (lower grit):
- Feel rough like sandpaper
- Often have visible particles
- Make a scratchy sound when you run your nail over them
- Cut metal quickly but leave a rough edge
Fine stones (higher grit):
- Feel smooth, almost like glass
- Have a more uniform look
- Make little or no sound when you run your nail over them
- Cut more slowly but leave a polished edge
Many stones have the grit number marked on them. If not, these clues can help you figure it out.
Visual Differences Between Stones
Color Variations
Different stones have distinct colors that can help you tell them apart:
- White to cream: Fine Arkansas stones, some ceramic stones
- Tan to brown: Coarse Arkansas stones, some oil stones
- Black: Black Arkansas stones, some Japanese water stones
- Orange-brown: Many Norton India stones
- Bright colors (red, blue, yellow): Often man-made stones
The color can give you hints about the stone type, but it’s not always a sure way to tell.
Texture Differences
The texture of a stone tells you a lot about how it works:
- Smooth and glassy: Very fine grit, good for final polishing
- Slightly rough: Medium grit, good for regular sharpening
- Very rough: Coarse grit, good for fixing chips or major dullness
Run your fingers gently over the stone. The way it feels can help you know what it’s best used for.
Size and Shape Considerations
Stones come in many sizes and shapes:
- Small pocket stones: Good for quick touch-ups
- Bench stones (6-8 inches): Good for most knives
- Large stones: Best for big knives or tools
- Double-sided stones: Offer two grit levels in one stone
The size and shape should match what you plan to sharpen. A kitchen knife works well with a standard bench stone, while pocket knives might do fine with smaller options.
Brand Differences
Norton and Other Top Brands
Not all stones are made the same. Top brands like Norton have their own traits:
Norton stones:
- Known for quality and long life
- Often have a distinct orange-brown color (India stones)
- Make both water and oil stones
- Often have the grit clearly marked
Other good brands include DMT, Shapton, and King. Each has its own look and feel that users come to know.
Quality Indicators
How can you spot a good quality stone?
- Even color throughout
- No cracks or chips
- Sits flat on a table with no rocking
- Has a base or comes in a holder
- Has clear grit markings
- Feels solid and heavy for its size
Poor quality stones may feel light, have an uneven color, or rock on a flat surface.
Stone Maintenance and Care
Cleaning Techniques
How you clean your stone depends on what type it is:
Water stones:
- Rinse with clean water
- Gently scrub with a soft brush if needed
- Let dry fully before storing
Oil stones:
- Wipe with a clean cloth
- Use mineral oil to clean off metal bits
- Store with a light coat of oil
Keeping your stones clean helps them work better and last longer.
Flattening Methods
All stones wear down over time and need to be flattened:
- Place wet sandpaper on a flat surface like glass
- Rub the stone in a figure-8 pattern
- Check often with a straight edge
- Stop when the entire surface is even
For diamond stones, just wipe clean – they don’t need flattening.
Storage Recommendations
Store your stones right to keep them in top shape:
- Keep water stones dry when not in use
- Store oil stones with a light coat of oil
- Keep all stones away from direct sunlight
- Store in a way that protects edges from chips
- Label stones with their grit if not marked
Good storage helps your stones last for years or even decades.
Practical Application for Different Knives
Kitchen Knives vs. Other Types
Different knives need different sharpening approaches:
For a kitchen knife:
- Start with medium grit (1000-2000)
- Finish with fine grit (3000-6000)
- Aim for a 15-20 degree angle per side
- Use water stones for fast results
For outdoor knives:
- Use coarser grits (400-1000)
- Aim for a 22-25 degree angle per side
- Oil stones work well for durability
Match your stone type and grit to what you’ll be cutting. A chef’s knife needs a finer edge than a hunting knife.
Matching Stones to Knife Types
Here’s a quick guide to match stones to knives:
- Fine Japanese kitchen knives: Water stones, 1000-8000 grit
- Western kitchen knives: Water or oil stones, 400-3000 grit
- Hunting/outdoor knives: Oil stones or Arkansas stones, 400-1000 grit
- Tools and scissors: Coarse diamond stones, 200-600 grit
Using the right stone makes sharpening easier and gives better results.
Common Issues and Solutions
Identifying Wear Patterns
Over time, stones develop clues that tell you how they’ve been used:
- Dip in the middle: The stone needs flattening
- Glazed spots: The surface is clogged with metal
- Dark streaks: Metal has built up on the stone
- Cracks: The stone was dropped or stored poorly
Fixing these issues keeps your stone working well.
Dealing with Glazing
Glazing happens when metal bits clog the stone’s surface:
- For water stones: Soak the stone, then rub with a nagura stone
- For oil stones: Clean with mineral oil and a soft brush
- For diamond stones: Clean with water and a brush, or use a special cleaner
A glazed stone won’t cut well, so clean it when you notice slower results.
When to Replace Stones
Even the best stones don’t last forever. Signs you need a new one:
- Too thin to use safely
- Deep cracks or chips
- Won’t stay flat despite flattening
- No longer cuts metal effectively
A good stone can last many years with proper care. Norton stones, for example, are known for their long life.
FAQs
What’s the difference between water stones and oil stones?
Water stones use water as lubricant and cut faster but wear down more quickly. Oil stones use oil, cut more slowly, but last longer. Water stones are often better for kitchen knives, while oil stones work well for tools and outdoor knives.
Can I use water on an oil stone or oil on a water stone?
No, you should not mix lubricants. Using water on an oil stone won’t work well, and oil can ruin a water stone by clogging its pores. Stick with the right lubricant for your stone type.
How do I know when my knife is sharp enough?
A truly sharp knife can slice through a piece of paper with ease. For kitchen use, it should be able to cut a ripe tomato without squishing it. If it catches or tears, it needs more work.
How often should I flatten my sharpening stone?
It depends on use. For casual home use, every 10-15 sharpenings is often enough. If you notice a dip in the middle or uneven sharpening, it’s time to flatten regardless of count.
What grit should I start with for a very dull knife?
For a very dull kitchen knife, start with 400-600 grit. For a damaged edge with chips, start even coarser at 200-400 grit. Then work your way up to finer grits.
Can I use dish soap to clean my water stone?
No, dish soap can leave residues that affect how the stone works. Plain water is best for cleaning water stones.
Conclusion
Knowing the difference between sharpening stones helps you pick the right one and get the best edge on your knife. Whether you’re using a fine Japanese water stone for your chef’s knife or a sturdy Arkansas stone for your outdoor gear, the right match makes all the difference.
Remember that grit, stone type, and proper care all play key roles in getting good results. Take time to learn what stones you have, keep them clean and flat, and use them with the right technique.
With practice, you’ll not only spot the differences between stones but also know exactly which one to reach for to make your knives as sharp as they can be. A sharp knife is safer, works better, and makes cooking and other tasks more fun.