The Best Sharpening Stones That Will Refine Even Your Dullest Blades

Where would our food be without knives? These powerhouses slice, dice, and julienne our meat, veggies, and other produce, and are an essential component in nearly every step of the cooking process. But even the fanciest blades can lose their edge over time, especially if you use them daily or stick them in the dishwasher (as most of us do!).

The best way to ensure that you keep your knives on point for years to come is by investing in a sharpening stone. There are many different types to choose from: If your blade is super dull, you may want to go with a coarser stone, one that's up to 350 grit. But if your knife is just beginning to lose its slicing power, you may want a fine-grained stone (400-2,500 grit), which will allow you to hone those edges. And if you want to achieve pro-level slicing skills, you’re going to want to opt for a superfine stone with a grit of 3,000 or more.

The Best Sharpening Stones

• Best for Newbies: Sharp Pebble Premium Knife Sharpening Stone
• Best for Dull Knives: Big Rock Sports Large Diamond Sharpeners
• Best Splurge: Zwilling JA Henckels 6-Piece Glass Water Set
• Best Deal: G.A. Homefavor Sharpening Set
• For Sharpest Knives: Zwilling JA Henckels 10,000 Single Grit
• Most Beloved: Chosera 3,000 Grit Stone with Base
• Most Versatile: Sharp Pebble Puck Sharpening Stone
• Best Oilstone: Norton Abrasives Oilstone
• Most Durable: DMT Duosharp Bench Stone
• Best Kit: Whetstone Knife Sharpening Set

What to Consider

Knives are your most valuable asset in the kitchen. Keeping them in great shape will help you make better food, faster. Keep the following in mind for the best results:

• Grit: The finer the grain of the grit, the sharper your knives will be. If your knives are super dull or if you don’t cook a lot, you don’t need more than a 500 or so grit.

• Extras: Some of these stones come with multiple sides and grit options, which is something to keep in mind if you have a lot of different types of knives to sharpen.

• Pro-Level: Several of these stones were designed with beginner knife sharpeners in mind, while many others were really meant for aspiring chefs. Keep your skill level and needs in mind before clicking “buy.”

Whether you're in for something for everyday wear and tear or want one that's pro-worthy or for a serious home chef, we've rounded up the best stones for your knives, no matter what state they’re in.