# WHat are the best sharpening stones? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 28, 2010, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-sharpening-stones/534132 "2010-03-28T19:29:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![wolfman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a8b319/32.png) [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2010, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-sharpening-stones/534132/1 "2010-03-28T19:29:58Z")
I was looking through my camping stuff in anticipation of getting out once spring starts for real, and I realized I have lost my stone set somewhere. And even if I do find it, the surface of the finish stone was getting bowed anyway. So I need to get some new ones. I don’t even know what my old set was, It was older than me by a lot, and had been received when houses of dead relatives were cleaned, and had no lables, but it was top quality(or was when it was new 90 years ago). I have never used Japanese Waterstones or, or an Arkansas stone. And some websites recommend natural, some say synthetic stones are better. I’m not interested in gadgets and gizmos. I find an afternoon with a pile of knives and and a simple flat stone very relaxing. Any suggestions or cautions about the modern selection of stones? I’m not looking for the fastest way, I don’t mind the slow a patient doing it right way, which has me afraid of diamond stones. ---
**Author:** ![Rex\_Goliath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bcef8e/32.png) [@Rex\_Goliath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rex_Goliath)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2010, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-sharpening-stones/534132/2 "2010-03-28T21:11:39Z")
A Japanese waterstone is OK, and very good for delicate knives (like sushi knives), but are easily damaged and require a lot of prep like sitting in cold water for thirty minutes prior to sharpening. imo unnecessary for thick, quality forged steel. I recommend using a diamond stone, particularly the [DuoSharp](http://www.dmtsharp.com/products/duosharp.htm). An Arkansas stone is no different from a diamond stone, except it is not as hard, and therefore not as effective a tool. (amateur/professional chef for ~5 years) ---
**Author:** ![HellsBreezeway](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b4bc9f/32.png) [@HellsBreezeway](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HellsBreezeway)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2010, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-sharpening-stones/534132/3 "2010-03-29T04:04:01Z")
Sounds like you lost the stone anyway, but you don’t need a new one when the surface gets old. Just find a nice smooth piece of sidewalk or similar and work the stone on it in a circular motion until you’ve got a flat surface. ---
**Author:** ![boytyperanma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4491bb/32.png) [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2010, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-sharpening-stones/534132/4 "2010-03-29T04:39:31Z")
I keep a diamond sharpening stone around for on the road. I prefer my wet stones at my shop. I have no idea how old they are. They are probably from my grandfather. Three different grades kept wet 365 days a year. Every once in a while, like when I go to do kitchen knives, I decide it’s time to clean them up and change the water. Resurfacing on a concrete block seems to work fine. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2010, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-sharpening-stones/534132/5 "2010-03-29T04:53:07Z")
I’ve tried a number of systems over the years. I prefer a 2 angle edge so I use [ceramic rods with a base that holds them at 2 different angles](http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=LSLCSGM4). I find the ceramic creates a very smooth edge and is easier to use. The last time a dealer tried to sell me a stone system he dulled my knife in the demonstration. I sharpen them so that they will shave the hair on my arm although that seems a little too sharp for kitchen knives. The one think I’d like is a way of cleaning the ceramic rods quicker. I have to clean them with sink cleansing powder. There are diamond versions of the same system. ---
**Author:** ![ducati](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/cc9497/32.png) [@ducati](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ducati)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2010, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-sharpening-stones/534132/6 "2010-03-30T17:09:23Z")
I’ve used Lansky sets, and cardboard wheel sets, but the only thing that gets my knives scary-sharp is the ceramic [stones](http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/list.php?genre=sharpener&per_page=23)from Spyderco. I have the “204” set; it’s handy and portable, but they have great stand-alone stones as you can see. Put your feet up, and hone away. Remember, a sharp knife is a safe knife!