24 June 2026

Whetstones on a budget

A 1000 grit stone is the useful centre. It cuts fast enough to set an edge and leaves a finish that works for vegetables, fish, and general cooking. A coarse 400 grit stone is worth having if you repair chips or thin a blade, but it is not the place to start.

Cheap stones can work, though unknown grit claims are a gamble. A 1000/3000 combination stone from a known maker is often enough. Soak soaking stones until the bubbles stop; splash-and-go stones need only a few seconds under water.

Keep the stone flat with a diamond plate or wet sandpaper on glass. Work with the mud that builds up, and rinse the stone after use. A flat stone and a light hand matter more than the price on the box.