the stone
Whetstone sharpening, and why it feels meditative
How water stones work and what the workshop asks of you.
Reserve your knife workshop ↗Grits at a glance
| Grit | Use |
|---|---|
| 200 to 500 | Setting and defining an edge |
| 1000 to 2000 | Fine finishing |
| 4000 and up | Polishing and refining |
Water as the lubricant
Japanese water stones are used wet, with water carrying away the swarf as you work. Oil would only reduce how well they cut.
Grit
A coarse stone sets the edge, a medium one gives a fine finish sharper than most factory edges, and a very fine stone polishes. There is no single grit standard, so numbers vary by maker.
Why it feels meditative
The work is slow and repetitive, and it takes concentration to hold the angle steady. For many people that focus is exactly what makes it calming.
What the crew do
Several English-speaking crew members stay with you and correct your movements. You get personal advice rather than a demonstration from across the room.
What you take away
Besides the finished knife, you leave with a feel for how an edge comes up on a stone, which carries over to the knives in your own kitchen.
Reading glasses
A guest who came with his son suggested bringing reading glasses to judge the quality of the edge. It is a small tip for anyone who needs them for close work.