How to Use a Whetstone
Using a whetstone is a cheap and easy way to keep any blade sharp. Dull blades are useless in the kitchen or while on a camping trip. Using a whetstone gives you great control over how sharp your blades are. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- There are many different types of whetstones for different types of blades.
- Some whetstones have a coarse side and a fine side for more accurate sharpening.
Instructions
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1
Lubricate your whetstone with oil. Use the oil that comes with the whetstone if possible. WD-40 or vegetable oil will work also.
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2
Hold the whetstone in your off hand.
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3
Use your primary hand to hold the blade. It can be any type of blade. A pocket knife, kitchen knife, straight razor, or even scissors can be sharpened.
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4
Pull the blade from hilt to tip along the whetstone at a 10 to 20 degree angle.
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5
Repeat 2 times.
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6
Turn your wrist so the opposite side of the blade is facing the whetstone. Do not flip the blade over.
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7
Repeat steps 4 through 5.
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8
Continue alternating the 2 strokes per side at a 10 to 20 degree angle until the blade is as sharp as you desire. Do not over sharpen or the blade edge will be very brittle.
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9
Wash the whetstone with dishwashing liquid and store until needed.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not over sharpen any blade.
Always pull the blade along the whetstone.
Oil the whetstone before each use.
Hold the whetstone away from people and animals while sharpening.
Do not leave anything with a sharp blade laying around.
Do not test the edge of a blade with your fingers. Use a piece of fruit or vegetable instead.
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Comments
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This is incorrect. Keeping the knife in your primary hand WITHOUT turning the blade over and only turning your wrist means you will be sharpening toward yourself, which as the "tips and warnings" section says, is a no-no. You also don't need to apply oil to many modern whetstones, and only a tiny bit to others.
