There are many types of knife sharpeners out there, leaving open an ongoing debate as to what type of knife sharpener is the best. Simply put, the best sharpener is one that suits your needs and what you are looking for. For those of you that have precious and expensive blades, it is time to consider whetstone sharpeners. This particular review is of the Japanese Kind Knife Sharpener Whetstone.
Company Overview
The product is manufactured by Matsunaga Company. Known for their King and Sun Tiger brands, it is the oldest and most well-known whetstone company of Japanese origin in the West. Their products are manufactured in Osaka, Japan and are highly regarded for their quality and effectiveness. The King Brand products are especially soft, easy to use, and great for those who want to protect their knives blades.
Our Rating: 
(4.3 / 5)
Type of Knife Sharpener
This type of knife sharpener greatly differs from most traditional knife sharpeners. Rather than being an electric or manual sharpener whose sharpening mechanisms are diamond abrasive, this sharpener is essentially a whetstone with a grit of 6,000. The grit is the grain level of the stone, which can range from the 100s to over 8,000. A whetstone with a grit level of 6,000 is perfect for beginners. It is a basic finishing stone that works well to sharpen both regular and high-quality kitchen knives.
Before sharpening, you need to place the whetstone in water for about five minutes. During the sharpening process, you will be able to easily glide your blade over the stone until you achieve the perfect blade finish. The main benefit of using a whetstone is that you prevent ruining your knife by over sharpening, as the sharpening mechanism does not remove a great deal of metal like most sharpeners. In addition, youll also be able to see the sharpening process, unlike other sharpeners that cause you to simply run the blade through with no visibility.
Product Features
As this product is simple to use, the features of this product are very simple and basic. The stone dimension is 7 x 2.16 x .5, while the plastic base dimension is 8.16 x 2.5 inches. This makes the product very easy to store or to place neatly on your counter. It is also aesthetically pleasing with the refined and professional look that it features. Lastly, the grit of this product is 6,000.
Pros
- Easy to place and store in the kitchen
- Sharpens very well after soaking in water for 5-15 minutes
- Can sharpen a great deal of dull knives without ruining
- Steady setting
- Each swipe works to repair a dull knife
- Great for professionals or beginners
Cons
- Manual sharpener
- Requires a bit of effort
- You need to be precise when sharpening
- Angle of sharpen matters
- The grit level may not be suitable for your needs
- Some have issues with the stone clogging (must clean it well after use)
- If not careful, knife edge can cut into the stone
Conclusion
Traditionally, whetstones can be very costly, as most are paired with other grit levels. With a 6,000 grit level, you really are getting your moneys worth. Overall, it is also great for beginners, but it may take a bit of practice to master, so use it for less important knives until you get the hang of it. Once mastered, you’ll truly love the capabilities of this product, as it sharpens like a pro.
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