How to Use Diamond Sharpening Stones

Diamond sharpening stones are popular among woodworkers, knife collectors, and outdoors enthusiasts due to their sharpening speed, ease of use, and excellent results. In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know to use diamond stones correctly and keep your edges sharp and ready.

Types of Diamond Sharpening Stones

In this article, we're covering diamond stones that feature a single layer of diamonds, usually embedded in nickel-plating. DMT diamond stones are a popular brand of this kind of diamond stone, and come in several varieties, each suited to specific sharpening tasks:

• Continuous Diamond Surface: Ideal for fine sharpening and honing. They provide a smooth finish, especially for kitchen knives and fine woodworking tools.
• Interrupted Diamond Surface: Features small, patterned holes that allows metal filings removed from the tool being sharpened to flow away from the abrasive areas. This keeps the stones sharpening quickly and efficiently. 
• Double-Sided Diamond Stones: Offer two grit levels in one stone, making them versatile and convenient for multiple sharpening stages.

Choosing the Right Grit

Selecting the appropriate grit is essential:

• Coarse (up to 400 grit): Use for repairing chips or restoring dull edges.
• Fine (600-1000 grit): Ideal for general sharpening tasks on knives and tools that are still in good condition.
• Extra-Fine (1000-1200 grit): Best for refining edges after using coarser grits, preparing edges for precise tasks.
• Extra-Extra-Fine (over 1200 grit): Used for polishing and honing edges to razor-sharpness.

Preparing Your Diamond Stone

Before sharpening, take these simple steps:

• Break-in Period: New diamond stones may feel rough initially. After the first use, they smooth out and provide consistent results.
• Cleaning: Rinse your stone with water to remove any particles or dust. Avoid oils unless specifically recommended by the manufacturer. We have an in-depth article is you want to learn more about cleaning your diamonds stones.
• Using Water or Dry: Diamond stones can typically be used with water or dry. Water helps to remove debris and keeps your stone clean during sharpening.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Diamond Stones

Follow these steps for great sharpening results:

Step 1: Secure Your Stone

Place your diamond stone on a stable, flat surface. Stone holders help ensure safety and effectiveness during sharpening. They also raise the stone up off the work surface. This lets you comfortably hold your knife or tool at the correct sharpening angle. 

Step 2: Determine the Correct Sharpening Angle

Common sharpening angles include:

• Kitchen and pocket knives: 15-20 degrees
• Outdoor knives: 20-25 degrees
• Chisels and woodworking tools: 25-30 degrees

Guides and jigs can help you maintain a consistent sharpening angle. 

For a more in-depth exploration of sharpening angles, read our article Detailed Discussion of Knife Sharpening Angles. 

Step 3: Sharpening Technique

• Hold your knife or tool at the correct angle.
  • To find 20 degrees, hold your knife or tool perpendicular to the diamond stone, as though you were going to cut straight through it. With the edge resting on the stone, lower your knife or tool halfway down. This is 45 degrees. Lower it halfway again and the angle will be 22.5 degrees. Lower a little more and you'll be at, or very close to, 20 degrees. 
  • To maintain a consistent angle throughout sharpening, do not move your wrist. More tips on Maintaining a Consistent Sharpening Angle. 
• Move the blade across the stone, applying gentle, consistent pressure.
  • Gradually reduce the amount of pressure you apply when you move to finer grits.
  • Coarse grits will need more downward force for them to work effectively, while finer grits polish best when very light pressure is used. The exact amount of force varies depending on what you're sharpening. If you're just starting out, about 5lbs for coarse grits is a good place to start. Use just the weight of the knife or tool for final polishing. 
    
• Repeat until you've raised a burr on each side of the edge.  

Step 4: Progressing Through Grits

• Begin sharpening with a coarse grit to ensure the sharpening process goes quickly and efficiently. Regularly pause to check for a burr. 
• Progress through medium and fine grits to refine and polish your edge.
• A general guideline for grit progression is to stay within an approximate doubling to tripling of the previous grit. E.g. 325 > 600 > 1200 > 4000 grit.
• Each grit removes the deeper scratches left by the previous, coarser grit, resulting in a polished, sharp finish.
  

Step 5: Strop

Strops are fantastic tools for creating an extremely sharp edge. Just make sure to use edge trailing strokes otherwise the knife or tool will cut into the leather. It's also important to use very light pressure, just the weight of the knife or tool is best for effective stropping. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To achieve the best results, avoid these common errors:

• Too much pressure: Heavy pressure can damage your diamond stone. Keep pressure gentle and consistent.
• Incorrect sharpening angle: Use a sharpening jig or practice frequently to maintain consistency.
• Neglecting stone maintenance: Always clean and dry your stone after use to maintain effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you use oil on diamond stones?
We don't recommend using oil. Diamond stones typically work best with water or dry. Oil can clog diamond surfaces.

How long do diamond sharpening stones last?
With proper use and care, diamond stones can last for many years, even with regular sharpening.

Are diamond stones suitable for all knives and tools?
Diamond stones are versatile and suitable for most knives and tools. Diamonds are the hardest abrasive available making them capable of sharpening any kind of steel and even ceramic knives.  

Diamond sharpening stones offer an effective and reliable way to keep knives and tools sharp. By selecting the right grit, sharpening at the proper angle, and regularly maintaining your stone, you’ll enjoy sharp blades and safe, effective cutting. Browse our range of diamond sharpening stones today and experience the difference professional-grade sharpening tools make.