🪨 Whetstone Grit Selector
Tell it what you want to do — repair, sharpen, refine, or polish — and it recommends the whetstone grit and the sharpening stage that fits.
🎯 The Right Grit for the Job
What is a Whetstone Grit Selector?
It maps a sharpening task to the grit that does it best. Repairing a chipped edge calls for a coarse stone that removes metal quickly; setting a working edge on a dull knife suits a medium grit; refining and polishing need progressively finer stones. Choose the task and it names the grit and the stage.
Use it to plan a sharpening session and to decide which stones you actually need — most home cooks are well served by a single medium stone, adding coarse and fine stones only as their needs grow.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What do whetstone grit numbers mean?
Grit is the density of abrasive particles on the stone: the higher the number, the finer the surface. Coarse stones (around 220) cut fast to repair or reshape an edge; medium stones (about 1000) set a working edge; fine and extra-fine stones (4000–8000) refine and polish it to a keen, glassy finish.
Do I need to work through every grit?
Not always. For a routine touch-up a single 1000-grit stone is plenty. Move down to a coarse stone only when an edge is chipped or badly dull, and up to fine stones when you want a polished, refined edge. Whatever you use, progress from coarse to fine — never the other way.
Should I soak the stone first?
It depends on the stone. Many water stones need a few minutes soaking until the bubbles stop, while splash-and-go and oil stones don't. Follow the maker's guidance for your specific stone, and keep the surface wet as you work.