Atoma 140

Summary: The Atoma 140 is the most used tool for repairing or reprofiling knives in my sharpening kit. Grit: Extra Coarse 140 grit, which is as coarse as sharpening stones get. Break-in: It takes four to five sharpening sessions to break in the Atoma 140. After that, the surface feels a bit smoother and less […]
Understanding Japanese Whetstone Grits

I posted a video on this topic, so watch the video if you don’t like reading. There are three main whetstone categories. Fixing: Whetstones with ratings up to 320 grit. These are for fixing chips on blade edges or bringing incredibly dull knives back to life. They are not for weekly use. coarse: up to […]
Naniwa Pro 800

Speed: 9 out of 10 / Feedback: 9 out of 10 / Wear: 8 out of 10 / Overall Performance: 9 out of 10 Quick Summary: The Naniwa Pro 800 is my go-to sharpening whetstone. I prefer it over any 1000 grit whetstone I have tested. Importance of this whetstone: By conventional thought, the 1000 […]
Kitayama 8K

Speed: 6 out of 10 / Feedback: 7 out of 10 / Wear: 8 out of 10 Overall Performance: 7 out of 10 Quick Summary: Gives a nice mirror finish — an incredible value for a polishing whetstone. A solid performer, even when compared to more expensive whetstones. A very reliable polishing whetstone. Importance of […]
King Deluxe 1K

King Deluxe 1K Quick Summary: Speed: 6 out of 10 / Feedback: 7 out of 10 / Wear: 6 out of 10 / Overall Performance: 7 out of 10 Quick Summary: The King Deluxe 1K has a favorite of many hand sharpeners, including myself. It is a good-performing whetstone but not great for knives over […]
Naniwa Pro 3K

Speed: 8 out of 10 / Feedback: 10 out of 10 / Wear: 8 out of 10 Overall Performance: 9 out of 10 Quick Summary: The Naniwa Pro 3K (aka Naniwa Chosera 3K) manages to blend the best of both worlds. It is fast cutting, slow wearing, and leaves a nice low gloss finish. Why […]