Widely recognised and known for their great qualities, Japanese whetstones, also referred to as waterstones, can be both natural and synthetic. These fine-grained stones can be used not only for sharpening Japanese blades, but also any other cutting tools So, there’s no need of buying a new set of knives. All you need is to purchase a whetstone.
So, what’s so amazing about whetstones? The thing is that while sharpening knives with a whetstone, the surface particles are washed away pretty fast. This allows new particles, which are sharp, to start doing their work and sharpen the blade.
The Meaning of Different Whetstone Grits
There are different types of whetstones depending on their range of grits and they are all used for different purposes.
For example, if you want to sharpen a knife with chipped edges, you’ll need less than 1000 grit. Furthermore, for repairing a dull knife you should go for 1000 to 3000 grit. And, 4000 to 8000 grit is used for refining the edge of a knife which is the finishing process. Finally, if you are sharpening a knife used for cutting meat you should choose 4000 to 6000 grits.
Which Whetstone to Choose Based on Experience?
Experience with sharpening does matter when choosing a whetstone. If you are only starting or use whetstones only occasionally, you’d better get a combination of between 1000 and 6000 grit. The combination of these two will do the work for many years.
On the other hand, if you are already familiar with sharpening and using whetstones and reasonably experienced, you should go for a finishing stone of 8000 grit. Therefore, a person needs three stones at least, in general, for different purposes: grind, sharpen, and refine.
What are the Three Basic Types of Stones?
Coarse Stones – less than 1000 grit
This stone is typically and most commonly used for damaged knives that have chips in the blade. A stone with a number less than 1000 will eliminate such chips quickly.
What’s more, these stones are also great and effective for repairing tremendously dull knives that haven’t got edges at all. However, make sure not to use coarse stones for normal sharpening because of their abrasiveness.
Medium Stones – between 1000 and 3000 grit
First and foremost, it is of great importance to know that the basic stone for sharpening is the number 1000 grit. Hence, if your knife isn’t damaged but has only lost its edge, it just needs a good sharpen with this grit. But, bear in mind that you should not use medium stones regularly because, over time, they can wear down your knife.
Having said that, if you need to use whetstones more often, go for 2000 and 3000 grit since they are less coarse. However, this doesn’t really mean that you should sharpen your knives on a daily basis, but just a bit more often, because they aren’t designed for maintaining the edge, but for sharpening.
Finishing Stones – between 4000 and 8000 grit
Any stone between 4000 and 5000 grit is considered a bridge between sharpening and finishing stones, which give you a highly refined edge. A number 5000 is probably the furthest you need to go, yet, if you want to pick the 6000, or even the 8000, then, do so.
Still, remember that when choosing a whetstone grit you should think about the purpose. So, if you need a stone for your meat knife, you’d rather stop at 4000 or 6000 grit. If you use the knife only for cutting vegetables or fruit, go as far as you like, maybe 8000 grit stone.
How to Take Care of Whetstones?
There are certain practices you should apply if you want to have a long-lasting stone. First, you shouldn’t soak 3000 or over grit stones before use. Yet, you can splash some water if that’s really necessary. Plus, bear in mind that you shouldn’t use oil or any other type of lubricants or grease, but use only water for lubricating the whetstone.Second, never return the stone into its box after use until it’s completely dry. If you don’t do so, mold will grow on the stone and affect its quality.
We truly hope that we explained everything needed about whetstone grits. Also, it is true that you need some patience to learn to use stones, yet you’ll get the skills with a little practice.
Comments are closed here.
As a seasoned enthusiast in the realm of sharpening tools, particularly with a deep understanding of Japanese whetstones, I can attest to the crucial role they play in achieving precision and excellence in blade maintenance. Having honed my expertise through extensive practical experience, I find it imperative to shed light on the nuances and significance of whetstones, an indispensable tool for any blade aficionado.
Japanese whetstones, often referred to as waterstones, are renowned for their exceptional qualities, coming in both natural and synthetic varieties. These fine-grained stones have gained recognition not only for sharpening Japanese blades but also for enhancing the cutting prowess of various tools. The claim that there's no need to invest in a new set of knives when you have a whetstone is not an exaggeration but a testament to their efficacy.
What sets whetstones apart is their unique sharpening mechanism. During the sharpening process, the surface particles are swiftly washed away, allowing fresh, sharp particles to take over and contribute to the blade's sharpness. This distinctive feature makes whetstones a preferred choice among craftsmen and culinary enthusiasts alike.
The crux of the matter lies in understanding the different grits of whetstones and their respective purposes. Grit is a measure of the coarseness or fineness of the stone's abrasive particles. The article correctly identifies the varying grit ranges and their applications:
-
Coarse Stones (Less than 1000 Grit): These stones are ideal for repairing damaged knives with chips in the blade. They are effective for quickly eliminating chips and restoring severely dull knives. However, caution is advised against regular use for normal sharpening due to their abrasiveness.
-
Medium Stones (Between 1000 and 3000 Grit): The foundational stone for sharpening is the 1000 grit, suitable for knives that have lost their edge but are not damaged. It's emphasized that medium stones should not be used regularly as they can wear down the knife over time. Stones between 2000 and 3000 grit are suggested for more frequent use.
-
Finishing Stones (Between 4000 and 8000 Grit): These stones bridge the gap between sharpening and finishing, providing a highly refined edge. Stones ranging from 4000 to 5000 grit are considered the sweet spot, but enthusiasts can opt for 6000 or even 8000 grit for an exceptionally polished edge.
Experience plays a crucial role in choosing the right whetstone. Beginners or occasional users are recommended to start with a combination stone in the 1000 to 6000 grit range. Meanwhile, seasoned sharpeners should invest in an 8000 grit finishing stone for a comprehensive sharpening toolkit.
Maintenance tips for whetstones are also outlined, underscoring the importance of not soaking higher grit stones and using only water for lubrication. Proper drying after use is emphasized to prevent the growth of mold, which can adversely affect the stone's quality.
In conclusion, mastering the art of whetstone sharpening requires patience and practice, but the rewards in precision and longevity of blades are well worth the effort. This comprehensive guide covers the essentials, providing valuable insights for both novices and experienced blade enthusiasts.
