How to sharpen your knives using a whetstone
The best way to keep your knives sharp is to use a good quality whetstone, as this replicates the manufacturing process used back at the factory when the knives were first crafted. Using a whetstone with the sharpening techniques detailed in this handy infographic will ensure your knives are always well-honed, and remain in perfect condition for longer.
How To Sharpen Your Knives…Using a Whetstone
- If your whetstones need to be soaked, submerge them in lukewarm water for 5 to 10 minutes
- Draw a grid on the top of your whetstone using a pencil
- Rub the surface of your whetstone with another, lower grit whetstone. This will rub away the grid to show you where the dips and troughs are, making it easier to get a flat surface
- Use a low grit stone first to reshape the edge of your knife. If you only want to hone your blade, you can use a higher grit
TIP: Place your whetstone in a holder or on top of wet tissue to stop it moving as you sharpen.
What’s the difference between high and low grit?
Low grit stones are coarser and more suited to honing already-sharpened knives
The blade's spine should sit about half a thumb's width from the stone's surface. This should give you the perfect angle.
- Place the knife on the sharpening stone a 15-17° angle with the blade facing away from you
- Starting at the heel, push the knife forward relaxing as you pull it back toward you
- Move to the tip of the blade after a few minutes and push the blade forward and backward
- Turn the blade over and repeat the process to sharpen both sides
- Move to the higher grit stone to get a precise and honed finish on your blade
TIP: Look out for a burr on the blade of the knife. When you can feel it, you know it’s time to change sides. Also, make sure you drop water on the top of the stone before you start sharpening
- Place the knife at the top of the whetstone at an 18-22° angle with the blade facing away from you
- Starting at the heel of the blade, bring the knife back toward you diagonally so you sharpen the entire length of the blade
- To sharpen the tip of the blade, raise the heel slightly and push the knife forwards and backwards, applying gentle pressure
- Turn the blade over and repeat the process to sharpen both sides
- Move to a higher grit stone and repeat the process to get a precise and honed finish on your blade
TIP: Don’t wipe away the metallic residue that builds up when using your whetstone, as this helps to sharpen your knives