On this page, we would like to introduce you to the Japanese Wet Stone and explain how to sharpen knives with a Wet Stone. We firmly believe that sharpening with a Wet Stone is the best way to sharpen knives and to maintain good edge geometry. On this guide we will use the Nakato (medium rough grit) sharpening Wet Stone, which makes the blade sharper and also gives the blade a good shape.
Step 1 – Preparing For Sharpening
Put the Wet Stone in water to remove air from inside of it. You will see bubbles come out of the Wet Stone. Wait 5 to 10 minutes for the Wet Stone to fully soak, once you stop seeing bubbles the Wet Stone is ready for sharpening.
STEP 2 - Sharpening face-side of the blade
It is very important to keep the angle between the blade and the Wet Stone of about 10-15mm (about two coins height). Gently push the point you want to sharpen with your first, second and third fingers. While keeping the angle and pushing the point with your fingers, stroke the blade until it reaches the other edge of the Wet Stone. Then, pull the blade back until it reaches the edge of the Wet Stone (this back and forth is counted as one stroke). Repeat it for about five strokes until you can see or feel some small burrs (edge curvatures). Then move the position of your fingers to where you have not sharpened yet and repeat the process from the tip to the base of the blade.
STEP 3 - Sharpening Opposite side of blade
Just as you did before, sharpen the knife keeping an angle of 10-15mm. Push the point you want to sharpen with your first, second and third fingers. While keeping the angle and pushing the point with your fingers, stroke the blade until it reaches the other edge of the Wet Stone and then pull the blade back until it reaches the edge of the Wet Stone (this back and forth is counted as one stroke). Repeat it for about five strokes until you can see or feel some small burrs (edge curvatures). Move the position of your fingers to where you have not sharpened yet, and repeat this from the tip to the base of the blade. If your Wet Stone starts to dry up just water it and keep sharpening your knife.
Always make sure to hand wash your knife and make sure to keep it dry to ensure optimal performance!
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