This Knife Sharpener Has More Than 10,000 Five-Star Amazon Ratings — Here’s Why

There are gadgets and gizmos galore to choose from when it comes to sharpening kitchen knives. But for many pro chefs and hobbyists who consider knife sharpening an art that can only be mastered over the course of a lifetime, a whetstone is the only way to go. A whetstone is a block of natural stone or synthetic material with an extra-fine grain that sharpens knives as you pull their edge across its surface. Pros love them because they provide more control over, say, electric and manual sharpening gizmos, and when used correctly, they can get knives sharp enough to slice through a piece of paper in mid air. Like any art worth mastering, sharpening knives with a whetstone requires practice and can feel a bit intimidating. But according to more than 10,000 Amazon reviewers, Sharp Pebble’s Premium Whetstone Set is a game-changer if you’re serious about sharpening knives. And, it’s on sale for more than $20 off right now!

This set includes a double-sided whetstone with different levels of grit; one side gets dull knives sharp, and the other side gets sharp knives EXTRA-sharp. One reviewer notes, “the 1000 side does a good job, but the 6000 side polishes the edge in a way that is not even possible in the factory.” It also comes with a handcrafted bamboo base, which has a non-slip bottom and a silicon holder to keep the whetstone securely in place. Perhaps best of all, this whetstone set comes with all the instructions and tools you need to learn the proper technique to master your whetstone.

Now, a whetstone isn’t for everyone. Personally, I had no clue what that random brick-like object on the shelf even was when I started working in a professional kitchen. But as a commis (aka the lowest rung on the totem pole in a pro kitchen), one of my tasks was to sharpen Chef’s knives using a whetstone. After about a week’s worth of practicing daily on the cheapo knives, Chef decided he could actually trust me with his fancy santoku knife, and I’ve gotta say I’ve been a fan of whetstones ever since. Every time I take mine out while cooking with friends, everyone wants to have a go at it and learn how to use one. (Pro tip: give them your cheapest knife to sharpen first).

So if you’re at all curious about trying out a whetstone for the first time, or just want to replace an old one, Sharp Pebble’s Premium Whetstone Set is a great option. As one reviewer summed it up: “Once I learned how to properly use it, it was well worth the investment.”

Buy: Sharp Pebble’s Premium Whetstone Set, $38.99 (was $59.99)