Lost in grit numbers? Find the right stone progression for your knife in 15 seconds — from coarse repair to mirror polish.
🪨 Find Your Grit Progression
Lower number = coarser, removes metal faster. Higher number = finer, polishes the edge. Rough guide: 200–400 (repair), 800–1000 (sharpening), 3000–6000 (polishing), 8000+ (mirror). Most home cooks only need 400 + 1000 + a strop.
For dull or damaged knives: yes, start coarse, then refine. For maintenance: a single 1000 grit stone + leather strop is often enough. Combo stones (1000/6000) are great value for beginners and cover most needs.
Whetstones dish out over time (develop a concave surface). A flattening stone (or diamond plate) keeps them flat — essential for consistent angles. Check your stone with a straight edge every few sessions. A dished stone makes sharpening nearly impossible.
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