What Is a Diamond Stone?
A Diamond Stone, also known as a Diamond Plate, is a sharpening stone that uses synthetic diamonds bonded to a metal surface to create a durable and highly effective abrasive tool. These stones provide fast cutting action, long lasting performance, and the ability to sharpen a variety of materials, including steel, ceramic, and carbide.
How Do Diamond Stones Work?
Diamond Plates have a plated abrasive surface, with diamond abrasives embedded into the stone's surface. Diamonds protrude from the surface of the stone, and since diamond is able to cut any material, Diamond Stones are capable of sharpening any knife or tool, even ceramic and high-carbide tools.
Diamond Stones do not require soaking in water or oil. Instead, they can be used dry or with a little water, making them both convenient and low maintenance. Since the diamond abrasive is embedded into a metal surface, Diamond Stones will remain flat throughout their lifespan.
Why Choose a Diamond Stone?
- Fast Cutting Action: Diamond Stones remove metal much faster than traditional sharpening stones, reducing sharpening time.
- Works on a Variety of Material: Diamond Stones can sharpen any steel, carbide, and even ceramic knives.
- Low Maintenance:
Diamond Stones do not require any special preparation before use. Typically we will recommend that you use diamond stones with some water to clear away swarf, but they can be used dry. Diamond plates do not require flattening, great for sharpening tools like chisel and plane irons that require a flat surface.
Types of Diamond Stones
Continuous Surface vs. Interrupted Surface
Continuous Surface: Diamonds are spread out evenly across the entirety of the stone surface.
Interrupted Surface: Has small recessed areas to collect metal filings and swarf, reducing clogging and improving efficiency.
Learn more: Should I get a DuoSharp or a Dia-Sharp Diamond Stone?
Best Diamond Stones to Buy
Choosing a high quality Diamond Stone is key to achieving the best sharpening results. Here are some top recommendations:
- DMT DuoSharp Stones – Interrupted diamond surface stones in a variety of sizes.
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DMT DiaSharp Stones - Continuous diamond surface stones in a variety of sizes.
- Atoma - Replaceable diamond sheets with diamond clusters.
Each of these diamond plates are available in different grits to suit a variety of sharpening needs.
Ready to upgrade your sharpening setup? Browse our wide selection of Diamond Stones here and find the perfect one for your needs.
If you need more help selecting the right Diamond Stone for your needs, you can contact our Sharpening Specialists who have experience sharpening with all the Diamond Stones we sell.

