Best Japanese Whetstone 2023

by Joshua Speaks

Now you don't need to struggle to sharpen a knife or remove the metal particles from any blade.

With the help of the Japanese whetstone, you can easily sharpen any blade as a beginner and work most smoothly.

In our guide, you will find the best Japanese whetstone sharpeners that can make razors, knives, axes, scissors, and other metal equipment sharp.

You will be having back the shine of your blades if you have a Japanese whetstone.

After researching, we have compiled a list of various whetstones that have versatile grit numbers. The lower grit number indicates the rougher surface, while the higher ones indicate fine finishing and some of them are most expensive.

However, if you are going to sharp the large size blade or any knife for the first time, we recommend choosing a whetstone with the lower grit number and you can also choose the best diamond sharpening for this purpose.

Indeed, Japanese whetstones are famous worldwide. So what's the reason behind their popularity? It's because they are the most convenient, long-lasting, and affordable stones for sharpening any kind of blade. There are Japanese sharpening stone kits are also available in the market.

Without any delay, let's move on to our ten best Japanese water stone reviews!

Top 10 Best Japanese Whetstones

Product Image Rating Price

Best Overall: 1. Shun Combination Whetstone

  • Dual-sided sharpener
  • Easy to store
  • Stable base
4.5/5 Price Check

Great Value: 2. Yoshihiro Professional Grade Japanese Whetstone

  • 3 inches width
  • Quality material
  • Ideal for longer blades
2#Yoshihiro Professional Grade Japanese Whetstone Knife Sharpener 4.5/5 Price Check

Premium Choice: 3. Norton 24336 Japanese Style Combo Waterstone

  • Easy to Use
  • Stable base
  • Ideal for sharpening
4.5/5 Price Check
4. Yoshihiro Professional Grade Japenese Whetstone 4.5/5 Price Check
5. TATARA Japenese Whetstone Double Sided 4.5/5 Price Check
6. Mizu Grit Premium Whetstone 4.5/5 Price Check
7. King Kw Grit Combination Whetstone 4.5/5 Price Check
8. Japanese King Knife Whetstone Grit 6000HT 4.5/5 Price Check
9. Suehiro Japanese Sharpening Stone Dual Sided 4.5/5 Price Check
10. KING Japanese Whetstone 4.5/5 Price Check

Also Check:-

10 Best Japanese Whetstone Reviews

1. Shun Combination Whetstone for Sharpening Knife

1#Shun Combination Whetstone For Sharpening Knife
1#Shun Combination Whetstone For Sharpening Knife

This Japanese water stone comes with dual-sided sharpening and an acceptable grit type. The weight of the whetstone is around 1.8 pounds. You will have smooth finishing of any blade that you will sharp with it.

Best of all, the water stone comes in a gift box, and it has 6x 3-1/5 by 1-4/5 inches dimensions. You can gift it to any butcher, chef, or any other person who often works with knives.

It has a dual-sided grift with a lower number that indicates that you will have fine finishing. It is great for commercial and home use. You can use the water stone for cleaning the blades and lubrication as well.

It has a compact shape, and you can conveniently store it in the drawer. You will also have a non-slip base, which will help you sharpen the blades with stability. It is safe for use on any blade type, whether it is large or small. Though, it would be best if you use the whetstone after wetting it.

Pros
  • Compact and convenient to use
  • Stable base
  • It comes with a gift box
  • Easy to store
  • Dual-sided sharpener
  • Great for lubrication and cleaning
Cons
  • Pricey

2. Yoshihiro Professional Grade Japanese Whetstone Knife Sharpener

2Yoshihiro-Professional-Grade-Japanese-Whetstone-Knife-Sharpener.png
2Yoshihiro-Professional-Grade-Japanese-Whetstone-Knife-Sharpener.png

Next, we have the Yoshihiro professional water stone sharpener that comes with incredibly sharp material. You will have the best tool for sharpening any kind of cutlery.

It has special material construction to enhance the quality of the knife that you will sharp. However, the company is offering three different kinds of grades that you can use for coarse sharpening.

This japanese whetstone has a width of 3 inches, and you can conveniently sharpen the blades smoothly. As well, you will have a longer lifespan of the blade, and it is made in japan.

You will have the lower grit for the smoothest finishing. It has dimensions eight by 2.85 by 9 inches. Though, you have to buy the conditioning stone separately.

This Japanese whetstone best for money comes in a larger width than others, but it has a stable grip. You will have a better surface area. But let us tell you it is very sharp, so you have to work carefully with this tool.

Pros
  • Ideal for sharpening longer blades
  • Sturdy base
  • Highest quality material
  • Long-lasting
  • Easy to hold
Cons
  • Very sharp

3. Norton 24336 Japanese Style Combo Waterstone

Norton-24336-Japanese-Style-Combo-Waterstone
Norton-24336-Japanese-Style-Combo-Waterstone

This Norton Natural Waterstone Knife Sharpener comes with the high grit type to sharper the coarse edges smoothly. It weighs 2.1 lbs. Moreover, you will have an incredible combination of sharpener and tool maintainer.

As well, it is great for creating an abrasive slurry blade smooth. With this whetstone requires lubrication of water. Best of all, it is convenient to clean, and you can save your time too. It has the 1 by 8 by 2 inches dimensions.

Indeed, this water stone's quality is highly durable and requires very little lubrication for working on any blade. This whetstone is convenient to use, and you will get a holder as well.

It comes with a rubber base so the user can stably hold it for a long time. However, it doesn't have rubber on the base but offers stability.

Pros
  • Great quality
  • Convenient to use
  • Stable base
  • Requires less lubrication
  • Ideal for sharpening all kinds of blades
Cons
  • It is not a dual-sided sharpener
  • Pricey

4. Yoshihiro Professional Grade Japenese Whetstone Knife Sharpener

Yoshihiro-Professional-Grade-Japenese-Whetstone-Knife-Sharpener
Yoshihiro-Professional-Grade-Japenese-Whetstone-Knife-Sharpener

Next, we have the Japanese water stones sets by Yoshihiro company. This set of water stones can be easily poured into water. In fact, you will have any air bubbles rising from the whetstones.

Furthermore, you can easily use it, and it doesn't require a lot of effort to flatten the surface. You will be conveniently sharpening the edges of any knife with it. This fixer will help you to prevent the metal particles from the knives or blades.

It has incredible Japanese quality, and you can conveniently sharpen the knife. With this whetstone, you will be preserving the quality of your knife.

Best of all, you will have a high-quality steel sharpening tool, and the set is divided into separate categories. It contains grits of 1000, 3000, and 6000 with a stone fixer. This tool is convenient to sharpen, and you can call this set the sushi chef sharpening tool.

Besides, it has a larger surface of 2.9 inches, and you can easily hold it securely while sharpening anything. All these incredible specs make it the best Japanese whetstone set under 150.

Pros
  • Good quality
  • Ideal for sharpening the large knives
  • Made in japan
  • Ideal for flattening the metal particles
  • Sharpens knives with utmost accuracy
Cons
  • Expensive set

5. TATARA Japenese Whetstone Double Sided Knife Sharpener

5TATARA-Japenese-Whetstone-Double-Sided-Knife-Sharpener.png
5TATARA-Japenese-Whetstone-Double-Sided-Knife-Sharpener.png

This Waterstone comes with a guide, and you can conveniently use it. As well, you will have 100 percent durable finishing, and you don't need to maintain the stone for a long time.

And the best part? It will give the sharpest and polished edges of the blade. This whetstone will provide the finest sharpening, and you will have the best tool for sharpening the chef knives.

So if you want to clear away the metal particles from the surface of the blade, then Tatara is the best polishing Japanese whetstone to purchase.

It has lower grit of 3000 and a higher one of 8000. It comes with a honing guide as well. No doubt, it has a durable quality, and the blades will last much longer.

You will be conveniently smoothening the blades. As well, you will have guaranteed satisfaction after working with this blade. In fact, you will have a polished finishing.

This japan's water stone comes with truly sharp edges for providing the ideal finishing to your knife. As well, it is great for sharpening the ax of any size. Besides, it has aluminum oxide material, and you can lubricate it with any oil.

Pros
  • Lasts long
  • Professional quality
  • Great knife sharpener
  • 100 percent satisfaction
  • Great sharpening quality
Cons
  • Some users said that it dulls the blade.
  • Quality could be better

6. Mizu Grit Premium Whetstone Knife Sharpener

6Mizu-Grit-Premium-Whetstone-Knife-Sharpener.png
6Mizu-Grit-Premium-Whetstone-Knife-Sharpener.png

Next, we have the Mizu Japanese whetstone, and it is highly stable for sharpening any blade. As well, you will have a convenient way to sharpen any metal thing with these natural Japanese water stones.

You will have to fine-tune dual side grits, and it is great for those who often cut with chef knives. It comes with an extraordinary sharp edge, and it has a 1000 grit side that you can use for shaving the blade's dull side.

This water stone comes with dual-sided grits of 1000 and 6000. Besides, you will have a rubber base for better stabilization. You will have an angler guide that will help you to hone your sharpening skills.

Additionally, you will have an extraordinary sharp edge after using this water stone on any other blade. It comes with the classic combination of the whetstone, and you will have a convenient way of sharpening the larger axes.

Moreover, you can use it for sharpening knives, scissors, and other metals. Additionally, you will have a stable base to protect the hands while using it.

Pros
  • Bamboo tray
  • Non-slip base
  • Great sharpening skills
  • Sharpens the dull blade
  • High-quality material and dual-sided grits
Cons
  • You have to keep it in hot water for 30 minutes for the best sharpening results.
  • Users said that it creates a lot of slurry during usage.

7. King Kw Grit Combination Whetstone

7King-Kw-Grit-Combination-Whetstone.png
7King-Kw-Grit-Combination-Whetstone.png

The Japanese king whetstone has created hype because of its tremendous quality and affordable price tag. As well, you will have a deluxe combination and a sturdy plastic base for convenient usage.

Furthermore, it has dual-sided whetstone, and it is ideal for sharpening various kinds of blades. You can use the coarse side if the metal of your blade is rougher. Indeed, the king is the best Japanese whetstone brand because of its quality at an affordable price.

You will have 1000 and 6000 grit for the rougher and finest sharpening. As well, it has the most durable quality material. The dimensions of the water stone are eight by 2 ½ by 1 inch.

King Japanese water stones are completely safe to use, and you will have a plastic base for holding it conveniently while sharpening any blade. Furthermore, it requires to be soaked in water for some time before sharpening any metal.

Pros
  • Plastic, durable base
  • Deluxe incredible combination
  • Affordable
  • High-quality material
  • Long-lasting
Cons
  • Requires time to be soaked in water.

8. Japanese King Knife Whetstone Grit 6000HT

8Japanese-King-Knife-Whetstone-Grit-6000HT.png
8Japanese-King-Knife-Whetstone-Grit-6000HT.png

Another great whetstone from the king is worth buying. Though it has a lower grit combination, you have to soak it in water for at least 20 to 30 minutes.

You will also have a high-quality whetstone, and it is great for sharpening various kinds of blades. This king stone is quite affordable, and you will have such an incredible quality whetstone.

It is a reliable whetstone to provide superior sharpening particles for the finest finishing. However, the quality of the water stone is finest than others in our review list. You should not use it on the larger blades.

You will have enough material of whetstone that it is usable for several years to come. And the good news? You will have nagura condition stone with it as well.

Pros
  • Great for kitchen knives
  • Rubber feet
  • Fine polished surface
  • Dual-sided grit
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Not for commercial use
  • Some users said that it is too steep and soft to sharpen the coarser blades.

9. Suehiro Japanese Sharpening Stone Dual Sided

9Suehiro-Japanese-Sharpening-Stone-Dual-Sided.png
9Suehiro-Japanese-Sharpening-Stone-Dual-Sided.png

This suehiro Japanese sharpening stone is the best double-sided water stone that you can use for sharpening scissors, knives, and other metal tools. Best of all, you will have a compact size sharpener that you can easily carry while camping, etc.

This Japanese sharpening stone weighs 9.28 oz. and it has the most durable base of rubber material. Best of all, it is made in Japan, and you will have dual-sided grits of 1000 and 3000.

This Japanese sharpening stone has dual sides for sharpening, and you can use the smaller grit size for smoother sharpening, while the 6000 grit size is ideal for those who need to sharpen the metal in the best way. You will have a non-slip base with this Japanese whetstone.

Best of all, it is compact, and you can conveniently hold it for a long time while sharpening any blade. Suehiro is the ideal brand of Japanese water stones knife sharpening.

Pros
  • Non-slip base
  • Convenient to use
  • Rubber material
  • Provides the most smooth finishing
  • You can do the right maintenance of knives
Cons
  • Requires a long time for soaking in water.

10. KING Japanese Whetstone Carbon Steel Sharpening

10KING-Japanese-Whetstone-Carbon-Steel-Sharpening.png
10KING-Japanese-Whetstone-Carbon-Steel-Sharpening.png

Lastly, we have another popular whetstone from the king, and it is the best Japanese whetstone brand. This water stone weighs 1.8 lbs, and you will have a sturdy base with it. As well, this whetstone has a special abrasive material.

And the best part? It has super durable quality and dual grits. In fact, it is ideally made for sharpening the chef knives. As well, the whetstone will bring back the shine of the dull blade. However, you have to soak the whetstone before using them on any blade for the best results.

Indeed, it is a highly durable whetstone that you can use for sharpening anything. You can dry the water stone on water-resistant paper. And the best part? You will not have hardened stone, and it will last for several years.

This Japanese blade comes with high-quality material. You will be safe using the whetstone. In fact, it has a plastic base so the user can conveniently hold it. Ideally, it is made for sharpening the cutlery.

Pros
  • Sturdy plastic base
  • Great for sharpening the chef knives
  • Super smooth finishing
  • Convenient to use
  • It brings back the shine of the blade.
Cons
  • It requires a long time of submersion in water.
  • Not so long-lasting

Buyer Guide of Best Japanese Whetstones

1.Size

The size of your best Japanese whetstone is directly related to the size of the knife. If you are planning to sharp a big knife then a larger whetstone will work fine for you.

Selection of the whetstone size is crucial, in case you use the wrong size stone for sharpening you might end up with an injured hand because we follow a continuous back and forth while sharpening that produces friction.

But keep in mind that larger-width whetstones cost more than smaller ones. But whatever the size of your knife, it is recommended to buy at least 8 inches whetstone essentially to be on the safer side.

2. Grid

Different numbers are assigned to these whetstones that show the intensity of the coarse grid inside. For a Japanese whetstone, three major categories are available in the market named as Smooth, Rough, and Medium grit whetstones.

A smooth grid means a coarse density of 3000-10,000, while the Medium grid has a grid particle density of 700-300. Rough Japanese Whetstone has is the finest and strong whetstone with a coarse density of 120-140.

The rough category will take off the upper metallic layer quickly and your blade will be crispy sharp within no time. But remember! Finer the grid coarse, higher the price and quality of the whetstone.

3. Use

Japanese whetstones are commonly used to chip of broken or damaged blades, to buffer or polish, or to sharpen on regular basis. Rough whetstones being finer in grid number are used to chip damaged blades, they can chip the broken blade too.

While the Medium coarse grid is used for regular sharpening, it is the most commonly used grid size. Moreover, the 700 grid size is affordable and serves quality too. Above 300 grid size, Japanese stone is used to polish the dull knives, they buff the blades sparkly.

4. Ease of Use

Keeping customer satisfaction as a priority, Best Japanese whetstones are available in two styles to serve you ease of use. One style is a single-layer grid stone.

It has only one side functional. While the other is Multi Grid Stone, which has two functional sides with different grit sizes. You can use it to serve multipurpose.

Like if you use one side for sharpening you can use the other side to buff and polish your knife, dependent upon the density of the particles it has.

5. Stability

Japanese whetstones come with a nonslip rubber base and provide stability to your whetstone. But if your whetstone is double-sided then surely you need something to stabilize it during the process.

It is recommended to use a folded towel that should be damp, or else you can use a rubber base shelf liner underneath for stability.

Other DIY methods proven successful by whetstone users suggest using a heavy-duty duct tape or any other non-slip base like silicon mat, or any specifically designed non-slip sharpening stone household holders, available in your house will provide stability to the whetstone.

6. Price

Japanese whetstones prices always lie at the higher end. They are available in different ranges of prices depending upon their quality, grid number, and style of the stone.

Mostly single-layer best Japanese whetstone is cheaper than a multi-layered whetstone. But if you need more than 2 whetstones of different grid numbers, it is better to buy one multi-layered whetstone as it will be economical for you.

Another detriment factor is the brand, many brands offer different ranges of prices. But whatever the brand is, a whetstone can cost as low as $12 to as high as $1600+. This all depends upon the quality of the stone, its grid number, and whether is dual functionality or not.

Types of Whetstone

1. Natural

As the name indicates, these whetstones are found in nature. There are many more varieties of whetstones available at the banks and islands in the West for example Arkansas or Oil stones.

Natural stones are very hard yet durable. These stones follow a pretty lengthy procedure to get cut in regular usable shape. Talking about Japanese natural stones mostly known as Japanese Waterstones are derived from sedimentary rock.

They are relatively easier to cut and are soft as compared to other natural stones but at the same time not much durable. However, Japanese Waterstones being soft sharp the blade quite quickly with lesser effort.

2. Synthetic

Synthetic whetstones are man-made sharpening stones mostly used by professional chefs or woodcarvers. They are affordable but less durable when compared to natural stones.

These stones are formed when aluminum oxide or silicon carbide are bonded abrasively in layers stuck together by using resin or glass material.

These stones are available in grid sizes ranging from 120- 30,000. You can find good quality synthetic grid stone in a price range of $30-$120 easily.

3. Diamond Plates

Diamond Whetstones are the most popular and most widely used manmade whetstone. They are electroplated metal plates with diamond particles bombarded over the surface.

The diamond particles layer is secured via Nickle plating that makes it the most durable among all the other whetstones available in the market.

Diamond stones could be cheaper or expensive depending upon the quality that impacts their durability too. These stones work best on all types of blade material.

Say carbon steel, stainless steel, or ceramic too and are well known for producing quick results. *Many cheap Diamond stones have a diamond layer at the top but that layer is not secured and makes the stone less durable.

Grit Types

1. Coarse

The coarse density particles range below #1000. It is the fine density used to fix extremely dull, rigged, or chipped knives. But there is extreme caution required when using these sharpening stones.

There is no need to apply much pressure when using coarse grid stones because such stones are so fine that they easily remove the upper particle layer of your knife metal.

Moreover, it is not recommended to use these sharpening stones for regular sharpening purposes because of their perfection and high price.

2. Medium

This grid size lies in the range of #1000 to #3000 particle density. This is the most commonly used type in our kitchen. #1000 to #3000 grid sharpening stones are affordable and are used to sharp our expensive knives on regular basis,

but these stones are unable to give any finishing look to your blade so beware that these stones will sharp the blade but not buff or polish them.

3. Fine

Fine grid ranges from #4000-8000 coarse density, out of which #4000-5000 is the most widely used one. This grid stone is famous to give a razor crisp to your blade that is shiny too.

It means that it will not only sharpen the blade but will buff and polish it too. These stones are typically used to sharp U-shaped knives that are used to cut meat.

If you want to sharp your regular vegetable and fruit slicing knife then you can use the #8000 grid number too but if you are sharpening only meat knife then I will recommend not to go below #5000 grid size.

Whetstone Grit Chart

Whetstone Grit Chart
Whetstone Grit Chart

Recommeded Japanese Whetstone

Best Japanese Whetstone
Best Japanese Whetstone

You should be careful while sharpening any knife with the best Japanese whetstones. Our whetstones have a stable non-slip base, so you can easily sharpen the knife and other equipment.

So which whetstone are you going to buy for having a smooth sharpening experience?

Are you still muddled to choose between the top 10 best Japanese whetstones? We recommend our two favorite suggestions that you can rely on.

Choose the Shun Combination Whetstone if you want the best dual-sided whetstone sharpener. In fact, it will work perfectly when you are using it on a wet surface.

It comes with incredible quality to make the chef knives even sharper. Also, it has a compact shape, so you can conveniently store it when not needed.

Our second suggestion is the Yoshihiro Professional Grade Japanese Whetstone Knife Sharpener. It is superlative for those who want to sharp the larger blades.

This sharpener weighs more than 2 lbs, and it has a stable base for a convenient grip. At last, it will help you to keep your knives in good condition.

That's all for our review of the best Japanese whetstone. We have mentioned all the important features with their good and bad sides to make your decision wiser.

Thanks for the read!

Buy now at Walmart, eBay, Etsy (subject to availability)

Premium Knife Sharpening Stone Set – 400/1000 and 3000/8000-Grit Professional, Safe Knife - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Yoshihiro Professional Grade Toishi Japanese Whetstone Knife Sharpener Water Stones (SET) - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Kai AP0509#240#1000WHET STONE, One Size, Cream - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

KING KW65 1000/6000 (with nagura stone) - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Kota Japan Combination Dual Sided 3000-8000 Grit Diamond Knife Sharpener Whetstone Set - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Whetstone Knife Sharpening Stone: 2-Sided Knife Sharpener Set, 1000/6000 Grits, with - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Mizu 1000 / 6000 Grit Premium Whetstone Knife Sharpening Stone Set, Ideal Sharpener for - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Yoshihiro Professional Grade Japanese Whetstone - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

About Joshua Speaks

Can’t think of a day that that Josh didn’t have a beer or two. Be it a long day of work or of nothing. Sometimes, it is a few packs even. Especially when there are familiars over.

His fridge is packed with beers: Heineken, Corona, Guinness, Budweiser, and all other wierd brands in between. He had to get a secondary 30 cu. fridge off Craigslist for more beer storage.

Sometimes he wonders if a day truly starts only after the first sip of beer for the day. Enough talk about Josh and his passion; that’s the reason for this beer blog and related items. Feel free to hit on him. Start with something like: “hey beer head!” You got the idea!

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