What does ‘grit’ mean on sharpeners?

Grit, in the context of sharpening, refers to the size of the abrasive particles on a sharpening stone or surface. These abrasive particles are what grind against the tool or blade being sharpened, removing material from the blade to produce a sharp edge. Grit sizes are categorized by numbers, and these numbers indicate the coarseness or fineness of the abrasive material. The smaller the number, the coarser the abrasive particle.

The choice of grit size depends on the condition of the blade and the desired sharpness. Starting with a coarser grit for shaping or repairing the edge, one usually progresses through progressively finer grits to refine and hone the edge to the desired level of sharpness. This progression is essential for achieving a sharp, durable edge on tools and knives.