Traditional Waterstones

Traditional Waterstones cut quickly, provide a great tactile response, and are available in a wide variety of grits. Waterstones are very porous – they are designed to be soaked before each use. This soaking process lubricates the stone's surface, which prevents the buildup of heat from friction and floats away metal particles, called swarf, keeping the stone from getting clogged. As the stone is used, a slurry of abrasive particles and water forms on the surface. This slurry is what allows the stone to cut quickly and polish the blade effectively. Traditional soaking waterstones are indispensable tools prized for their ability to produce a highly refined edge, typically on kitchen knives and woodworking tools. We recommend that you use at least 2 grits when sharpening, one to set your primary edge and a second to refine and polish.