When you acquire a good knife, it's equally important to find a suitable whetstone to mWhen you acquire a good knife, it's equally important to find a suitable whetstone to maintain it. In this section, we will explore the importance and recommended frequency of use for various types of whetstones. We will discuss them in the following order: refacing whetstones, medium whetstones, finishing whetstones, rough whetstones, and natural whetstones.intain it. In this section, we will explore the importance and recommended frequency of use for various types of whetstones. We will discuss them in the following order: refacing whetstones, medium whetstones, finishing whetstones, rough whetstones, and natural whetstones.

1. Grinding Wheel for Surface Repair

The bevel, an essential part of the whetstone used not for sharpening knives but for maintaining the whetstone itself, must be kept flat at all times. This is crucial because sharpening knives with a whetstone that is not flat can lead to warping and bending of the blade.

The primary function of a bevelling whetstone, also known as a surface preparation whetstone, is to ensure the sharpening surface remains flat. Over time, the surface of a whetstone can become concave from use. It is vital to "correct" the surface before this concavity affects the sharpening process. You should start by using a surface preparation stone to flatten the whetstone, and then proceed with sharpening your knife. It's advisable to resurface the whetstone every five minutes during sharpening to maintain optimal flatness.

Commonly, resurfacing stones are made of silicon carbide. However, for more precise results, a diamond stone with excellent wear resistance is recommended. Diamond stones are more effective at resisting surface abrasion and maintaining a consistently flat surface. When choosing a resurfacing stone, opt for one with a truly flat surface rather than one with large corrugations, which can impede the accuracy of the flat surface maintenance.

2. Medium Whetstone: The Foundation of Sharpening

Medium whetstones, typically ranging from #800 to #3000 grit, are most frequently used for sharpening knives. For most purposes, a #1000 grit whetstone is adequate to sharpen knives effectively. For home use, a single medium grit whetstone can significantly enhance the sharpness of knives. Even professional chefs often find a medium whetstone sufficient.

The knife sharpening process is generally divided into two stages: "shaping" and "blade attachment." The shaping stage is where medium grit whetstones excel. These stones are primarily used to correct any unevenness on the knife's surface and shape the cutting edge. For instance, a medium whetstone smooths out scratches and imperfections left by rougher stones, thereby laying the foundational groundwork for subsequent sharpening stages.

3. Finishing Whetstone

Finishing whetstones, which are typically #3000 grit or higher, are used to refine the knife's edge. These stones remove minor scratches and sharpening marks left by medium grit whetstones, smoothing the blade's surface and enhancing its sharpness. The primary function of a finishing stone is to create a fine, thread-like edge on the cutting blade. This finely sharpened edge is the first to contact food, and its quality significantly affects the cutting performance.

Using a coarse-grit stone for this final sharpening might leave the blade rough, which could damage the food's fibers during cutting. Conversely, a fine-grit stone produces a smooth, polished edge, ideal for cleanly slicing through food with minimal damage to its structure. This consideration helps guide the selection of the appropriate finishing stone, aiming for the smoothest cut possible.