Best Sharpening Stones of 2026

Harry Stack Avatar
Harry Stack
Last Updated: Jan 17, 2026

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Sharpening stones are an essential tool for anyone who wants to keep their knives, scissors, and other cutting tools in excellent condition. These stones are typically made of natural or synthetic materials and come in a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate different blade types. Some stones are designed for coarse sharpening, while others are better suited for honing and polishing. Sharpening stones require water or oil to lubricate the blade and prevent damage to the stone. With proper use and maintenance, sharpening stones can help prolong the life of your cutting tools and ensure they perform at their best.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Sharp Pebble Premium Whetstone Knife Sharpener Cover #TOP 1
Sharp Pebble Premium Whetstone Knife Sharpener
ftb score rating icon 9.9
SHARPAL 205H Double-Sided Leather Strop Kit Cover #TOP 2
SHARPAL 205H Double-Sided Leather Strop Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.8
BeaverCraft LS6P1 Leather Knife Strop Kit Cover #TOP 3
BeaverCraft LS6P1 Leather Knife Strop Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Sharpening Stones

#TOP 1

Sharp Pebble Premium Whetstone Knife Sharpener

8541909078
Blue/White
Small
Sharp Pebble Premium Whetstone Knife Sharpener Cover
Sharp Pebble Premium Whetstone Knife Sharpening Stone 2 Side Grit 1000/6000 Waterstone- Whetstone Knife Sharpener- NonSlip Bamboo Base & Angle Guide

The Sharp Pebble Premium Whetstone Knife Sharpener is a durable and long-lasting sharpening stone made of premium quality aluminum oxide and sharpening compounds. The kit comes with a double-sided whetstone knife sharpener, bamboo base, knife sharpening angle guide, instruction manual, and detailed ebook with lots of tips and tricks for every skill level. Safety is ensured with a non-slip bamboo base and rubber base for holding the stone in place while sharpening. The product is user-friendly and can be easily cleaned using water. It can sharpen any blade out there, making it suitable for home/professional chefs or as men's gifts.

What We Like
Consistent sharpening results
Easy for beginners
Durable build quality
Non-slip base
Dual grit functionality
What We Don't Like
Higher price than similar items
No instructions for angle guide

SHARPAL 205H Double-Sided Leather Strop Kit

205H
Yellow
SHARPAL 205H Double-Sided Leather Strop Kit Cover
SHARPAL 205H Double-sided Leather Strop (Genuine Cowhide) 13.2" x 2.4" Kit with 2 Oz. Polishing Compound & Angle Guide, Knife Stropping Block for Sharpening & Honing Knives tools, Woodcarving Chisels

The SHARPAL Leather Strop Kit offers a double-sided design with a smooth and suede side, giving you versatile options to refine and polish your blades for a sharp finish. Made from genuine vegetable-tanned cowhide, the leather provides an ultra-smooth surface that helps you achieve a razor-sharp edge easily. The strop features a sturdy wooden handle shaped for comfort, making it easy to hold during use and convenient to hang when not in use. Plus, it includes a 2 oz. polishing compound and an angle guide, so you have everything you need to start sharpening right away without extra purchases.

What We Like
High-quality leather strop
Effective edge polishing
Stable, non-slip base
Fits comfortably in hand
Great value for price
What We Don't Like
Polishing compound feels waxy
Compound application slightly inconvenient
#TOP 3

BeaverCraft LS6P1 Leather Knife Strop Kit

LS6P1
14.6" x 2"
BeaverCraft LS6P1 Leather Knife Strop Kit Cover
BeaverCraft Leather Strop for Knife Sharpening - Dual-Sided Knife Strop with Stropping Compound Kit - Honing Strop Block 14" for Woodcarving Tools, Chisel Knife Sharpening Kit Leather Sharpener LS6P1

The BeaverCraft Leather Strop is designed to help you keep your woodcarving tools and knives razor sharp, whether you're a beginner or a professional. It features a dual-sided leather surface, allowing you to maintain the perfect cutting edge on both sides of your blades. This kit includes a polishing compound, so you can start honing your tools right away without needing extra supplies. The ergonomic ashwood handle makes it comfortable to use for extended periods, providing better control during sharpening. Plus, you’ll receive helpful eBooks that guide you through sharpening techniques, making it easier to get the best results no matter your skill level.

What We Like
High-quality polished finish
Comfortable paddle handle
Consistent stropping performance
Affordable price
Easy maintenance
What We Don't Like
Relatively thin leather
Minor glue spot on leather

Someie Shapton Kuromaku 1000 & 5000 Grit Whetstone Set

K0702&K0704
Orange&Wine
Someie Shapton Kuromaku 1000 & 5000 Grit Whetstone Set Cover
Shapton Kuromaku Whetstone Sharpening Stone Set, Japanese 1000 & 5000 Grit Knife Sharpening Stones with Knife Sharpening Angle Guide for Kitchen & Chef’s Knives

The Someie Shapton Whetstone Set is designed to make knife sharpening simple and effective for both beginners and experienced users. The 1000 grit stone helps you quickly restore dull or damaged edges, perfect for regular kitchen or utility knives. After that, the 5000 grit stone polishes the blade, smoothing out scratches and improving slicing performance for precise cuts. To ensure you maintain the perfect sharpening angle every time, the included angle guide clips onto your knife, giving you steady control and consistent results. This set offers a clear, controlled sharpening experience that keeps your knives sharp and ready for use.

What We Like
Extremely effective sharpening
Perfectly flat surface
Beginner-friendly angle guide
High precision manufacturing
What We Don't Like
Higher price point
#TOP 5

Knife Sharpening Stone Set with Leather Strop and Flattening Stone

MDS00A
Red bule-7cps
7 pcs
Knife Sharpening Stone Set with Leather Strop and Flattening Stone Cover
Intelitopia Complete Knife Sharpening Stone Set – Dual Grit Whetstone 400/1000 3000/8000 Knife Sharpener with Leather Strop, Flattening Stone, Bamboo Base, 3 Non-slip Rubber Bases & Angle Guide

This complete knife sharpening stone kit includes a dual-sided whetstone with 400/1000 and 3000/8000 grits, a coarse flattening stone, a non-slip bamboo base, a knife sharpening angle guide, a leather strop made of genuine cowhide leather, and a simple instruction manual. The high-quality corundum whetstone and leather strop can sharpen and polish any blade, including kitchen knives, chef knives, steak knives, santoku knives, and more. The set is durable and long-lasting, making it perfect for both professionals and beginners.

What We Like
Complete sharpening set
Wide grit range
Consistent sharpening results
Non-slip base stability
Easy for beginners
What We Don't Like
Low-quality strop
Poor included directions
#TOP 6

Shapton Blade Kuroshaku Orange Medium Grinding #1000

3-0222-0104
Orange
Shapton Blade Kuroshaku Orange Medium Grinding #1000 Cover
Shapton K0702 Blade, #1000, Medium, Orange

The Shapton Blade Kuroshaku Orange Medium Grinding #1000 is a medium whetstone that is versatile enough to be used as a rough or medium sharpener. It has a grit size of #1000 and its dimensions are 8.3 x 2.8 x 0.6 inches (210 x 70 mm). This product is perfect for sharpening knives, scissors and other tools, and is a great addition to any sharpening kit.

What We Like
No soaking required
Excellent sharpening performance
Durable and long-lasting
Works on hard steels
Convenient case/holder included
What We Don't Like
Not the cheapest option
May cut faster than expected
#TOP 7

HiramWare 400/1000 Grit Whetstone

KSS41024
Light Turquoise
Medium
HiramWare 400/1000 Grit Whetstone Cover
HiramWare Knife Sharpening Stone with Non-slip Rubber Base, 400/1000 Grit Premium Whetstone, Double-Sided Knife Sharpener for Kitchen, Waterstone for Honing Blades Manually

The HiramWare Whetstone makes knife sharpening a breeze. With its dual-sided design, you can start with the 400 grit side to create a sharp edge, then use the 1000 grit side to polish and perfect it. Made from durable white corundum, this whetstone is built to last and feels great in your hand. You’ll appreciate the convenience of using water instead of oil, making cleanup easy. Plus, the non-slip silicone base ensures that the stone stays securely in place while you sharpen, prioritizing your safety during use.

What We Like
Easy to use
Affordable price
Sharpens quickly
Solid non-slip base
Works on kitchen knives
What We Don't Like
Lacks instructions
Not for very hard steel
#TOP 8

Knife Sharpening Stone Set with Non-Slip Bamboo Base and Angle Guide

Knife Sharpening Stone Set
Multicolor
Knife Sharpening Stone Set with Non-Slip Bamboo Base and Angle Guide Cover
HMPLL Knife Sharpening Stone Set, Professional Whetstone 4 Side Grit 400/1000 3000/8000, Whetstone Knife Sharpener Stone Set Include Non-slip Base, Leather Strop, Flattening Stone & Angle Guide

The HMPLL Whetstone Knife Sharpener Stone Set features 2 whetstones with different grits of 400/1000 and 3000/8000, made of professional-grade white corundum that is ultra-consistent and heat resistant. The set comes with a non-slip bamboo base and angle guide for safety, and is easy to use with just water as lubricant. It can sharpen a variety of blades including knives, scissors, razors, shears, sickles, and even axes and chisels.

What We Like
High quality sharpening stones
Complete kit with accessories
Easy to use for beginners
Durable and long-lasting
Excellent value for price
What We Don't Like
Strop less useful for some
Angle guide may feel flimsy
#TOP 9

SHARPAL 196N ANGLE PYRAMID Whetstone Knife Blade Sharpener Sharpening Stone Angle Guide 2-Pack, 4 Universal Angles-14°, 17°, 20°, 25°

SHP196N
Black and Orange
SHARPAL 196N ANGLE PYRAMID Whetstone Knife Blade Sharpener Sharpening Stone Angle Guide 2-Pack, 4 Universal Angles-14°, 17°, 20°, 25° Cover
SHARPAL 196N ANGLE PYRAMID Whetstone Knife Blade Sharpener Sharpening Stone Angle Guide 2-Pack, 4 Universal Angles-14°, 17°, 20°, 25°

With the SHARPAL Whetstone Sharpener, you can sharpen your blade like a pro. This product features two angle guides, one with a magnetic base for ferrous metal construction and the other with an anti-slip rubber pad base for traditional sharpening stones or ceramic whetstones. The integrated 4 universal angles-14°, 17°, 20°, and 25°- ensure that you get the exact angle you need for your blade, regardless of its size. This product's patent-pending design guarantees that you'll get the perfect angle every time you use it. The SHARPAL Whetstone Sharpener is perfect for anyone who wants to keep their blades sharp without spending a lot of time or money.

What We Like
Consistent sharpening angles
Works with various sharpening stones
Easy for beginners
Magnetic and anti-slip bases
Time-saving sharpening process
What We Don't Like
Possible minor knife scratches
Weak magnet on orange guide
#TOP 10

SHARPAL 162N Diamond Sharpening Stone

162N
Black and Silver
['8 in. x 3 in.']
SHARPAL 162N Diamond Sharpening Stone Cover
SHARPAL 162N Double-sided Diamond Sharpening Stone Whetstone Knife Sharpener |Coarse 325 / Extra Fine 1200 Grit | Storage Case with NonSlip Base & Angle Guide (8 in. x 3 in.)

SHARPAL Diamond Stone is a heavy-duty sharpening tool that features a dual-grit diamond surface, with 325 grit for quick edge setting and 1200 grit for honing. The industrial monocrystalline diamonds are electroplated onto a steel base, making it up to 5 times faster than traditional oil or water stones. Its MirrorFlat technology guarantees long-lasting even contact with knives or tools, and it can sharpen all hard materials including high-speed steel, carbide, ceramic, and cubic boron nitride. It comes with a storage box that has a non-slip rubber pad for use as a base while sharpening and includes a sharpening angle guide with 4 universal angles (14°, 17°, 20°, 25°). With a 3-year warranty and superior after-sale service, SHARPAL Diamond Stone is a reliable and cost-effective way to obtain a sharp edge.

What We Like
Fast and efficient sharpening
No water or oil needed
Durable diamond surface
Non-slip storage base
Works on tough steels
What We Don't Like
Minor quality control concerns
Requires some sharpening skill
Buying Guide Image

Buyer's Guide: Best Sharpening Stones

Size

Remember to look for a sharpening stone, which has the right width and length for your cutting tools. When you get a small whetstone, it will prevent you from sharpening a bigger knife. It will likewise make the process unsafe and frustrating.

If you want to use a sharpening stone for kitchen knives, you must get a tool that is around six inches long. If you plan to buy longer sharpening stones, you must consider purchasing a product with at least eight inches long.

Type

There are many types of sharpening stones available on the market, which have their own pros and cons. Let’s see the major types of whetstones and their features. One type of whetstones is water stones, which are the most widely used product. As the name indicates, most of these products require soaking in water before you use them.

Water stones are the best to choose – nonetheless, this does not mean there are no flaws in them. When you repeatedly soak and dry them, they can become brittle, which means you have to replace them after some time.

In contrast to water stones, we have oil stones available on the market. These stones require a splash of oil before you use them for sharpening knives. This way, the metal residues of the knife will be cleared away while you use it. Thus, it will prolong its lifespan.

Additionally, oil makes the process of sharpening much smoother. However, it is a little slower and messy. Remember, you only have one choice and that is to use the honing oil.

Grit

All grades of grittiness can sharpen knives but in different ways. Therefore, each of them has a different purpose. It depends on the number – for instance, all sharpening stones are divided into three categories, which are fine stones, medium stones, and coarse.

Coarse sharpening stones are those products, which have a number less than 1000. They are used primarily for dull and damaged knives. They usually don’t leave a nice and polished finish so you must avoid using them for less dulled or damaged knives.

Quality and Durability

You won’t spend money on a product that is made of low-quality material. This is not a good idea to spend money on something that won’t last long. So, you must choose the tool carefully – especially if you are planning on purchasing a more expensive ceramic or diamond sharpening stone.

At the same time, you must know that longevity does not have anything to do with the product’s quality. Water stones in this regard are less durable than other types of sharpening stones due to their low-quality material.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Should I wet or dry my sharpening stone?

It is recommended to use sharpening stones wet. Wet stones tend to perform better and maintain their cutting ability throughout the sharpening process. The exception is the 220 grit waterstone, which can be used dry without any loss in performance.

2. Are diamond sharpeners better than stone?

Diamond sharpeners have the advantage of cutting faster than other abrasive materials of the same grit. However, in finer grits, diamond stones may leave deeper scratches compared to waterstones. This is because diamonds do not wear as smoothly as traditional sharpening stones.

3. What oil do you use for sharpening stone?

Mineral oil is commonly used for sharpening stones. It provides a slightly different feel while sharpening and is preferred by many serious sharpeners. Norton sharpening oil, which meets purity standards, is a safe option for use on kitchen knives.

4. Can I use WD 40 on my sharpening stone?

WD-40 is not recommended for sharpening stones. While it can be used for storage and protection, lubricating sharpening stones during the sharpening process is best done with water or oil.

5. How often do you flatten a sharpening stone?

It is recommended to flatten low or medium grit stones (220-2000) after every two to four knives, and fine harder stones (3000 and up) every five to seven knives. Waiting too long between truing can lead to difficulties in sharpening.

6. Which is better diamond or tungsten knife sharpener?

Diamond sharpeners are ideal for repairing damaged blades and straightening blades before sharpening. Tungsten steel sharpeners are used to sharpen the blade and restore the cutting edge to a "V" shape. Ceramic stones are used for fine-tuning, polishing the blade, and addressing any surface irregularities.

Editor's Notes

During our sharpening stone research, we found 24 sharpening stone products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 219,432 customer reviews through our big data system to write the sharpening stones list. We found that most customers choose sharpening stones with an average price of $31.16.

The sharpening stones are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of sharpening stones, including Sharp Pebble, SHARPAL, BeaverCraft, Someie, Intelitopia. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 494 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Harry Stack Avatar

Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.

Sharpening Stones Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Sharp Pebble SHARPAL BeaverCraft Someie Intelitopia Shapton HiramWare HMPLL SHARPAL SHARPAL
Item Weight 2.1 Pounds 10.72 ounces 270 Grams 3.1 pounds 2.16 Pounds 45 Grams 1.43 Pounds 5.18 Pounds 18 Grams 1.4 Kilograms
Color Blue/White Yellow Beige, Black, Green-Gray - Red bule-7cps Orange Light Turquoise Multicolor Black and Orange Black and Silver
Grit Type Ultra Fine, Extra Fine, Fine Medium, Fine Very Fine - Coarse Medium Medium Extra Fine Extra Fine Coarse, Extra Fine
Material - Genuine Cowhide Leather -one smooth side and one suede side Leather Ceramic Stone #1000 Medium Whetstone Corundum Corundum Plastic Monocrystalline Diamond
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
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