A dull knife is a dangerous knife. After testing 10 popular whetstones over three months in our home kitchens and a small pro kitchen, we narrowed the field to the picks worth your money. Whether you’re restoring a favorite chef’s knife or maintaining a full collection, the best whetstone knife sharpeners deliver sharper edges than any pull-through gadget.
Our team sharpened everything from $15 grocery-store blades to $300 Japanese gyutos. We measured how fast each stone cut, how forgiving it was for beginners, and how cleanly it left a polished apex. The list below reflects what actually worked in our hands, not just what looked good in marketing photos.
In this guide, you’ll find our top three picks at a glance, a full comparison table, detailed reviews for every whetstone we tested, a buying guide covering grit sizes and stone types, and answers to the questions home cooks ask us most about whetstone sharpening.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Whetstone Knife Sharpeners
Sharp Pebble 1000/6000 Whetstone
- 1000/6000 dual grit
- Bamboo angle guide
- Beginner-friendly kit
Intelitopia Complete Sharpening Set
- Four grits included
- Leather strop and flattening stone
- Full kit under $30
Best Whetstone Knife Sharpeners in 2026: Quick Overview
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Sharp Pebble 1000/6000 |
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| Intelitopia Complete Set |
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 KEENBEST 400/1000 |
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 HMPLL 4-Side Grit Set |
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 KING Whetstone Starter Set |
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 Sharp Pebble 3000/8000 |
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| SHARPAL 162N Diamond |
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 MIDO Professional Abrasive |
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 KEENBEST Master 4-Grit Kit |
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 Wucgea Japanese Whetstone Kit |
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1. Sharp Pebble 1000/6000 Whetstone – Best Overall for Beginners
Sharp Pebble Whetstone Knife Sharpener – 1000/6000 Grit Sharpening Stone
- Angle guide removes guesswork
- Stays flat 3x longer than standard stones
- Complete kit with ebook and base
- Repairs and polishes in one stone
- Learning curve to hold consistent angle
- Angle guide too narrow for thick hunting blades
The Sharp Pebble 1000/6000 was the first stone I handed to my partner, who had never sharpened a knife. Within 15 minutes, she had a working edge on a chef’s knife that had been sliding on tomatoes for months. The included angle guide is the real hero here. It locks the blade into a consistent 15 or 20 degree position, so beginners don’t have to develop muscle memory before they see results.
I tested this stone across two months on a Wusthof classic 8-inch chef’s knife, a Victorinox paring knife, and a Shun santoku. The 1000 grit side brought all three back from dull to paper-cutting sharp in about 8 minutes per side. The 6000 grit side then refined the edge to that satisfying push-cut-through-a-tomato finish. Sharp Pebble’s proprietary corundum blend really does seem to cut faster than most stones in this price range.
The bamboo base with the non-slip rubber pad is one of the more stable setups I’ve used at this price. Most stones under $50 slide around on the counter when you put real pressure on them. This one stayed put even when I was sharpening a stubborn outdoor knife with a heavier grip. The stone also comes with an ebook that walks through technique, which is genuinely useful if you’ve never used a whetstone before.
One thing to know: the 1000 grit is the “do-everything” stone. It’s fine for routine maintenance and minor repairs, but if you have a heavily chipped edge or a very dull knife, you’ll want a coarser 400 grit stone to start with. The kit does not include a flattening stone, so plan on buying one separately or picking up a piece of 220 grit sandpaper on glass for occasional leveling.
Who this whetstone is best for
Beginners who want to learn proper whetstone technique without buying five separate accessories. Home cooks with a small knife collection who need a single stone that handles 90% of edge maintenance. Anyone who sharpens maybe once a month and wants consistent results without a long learning curve.
Who should look elsewhere
Professional chefs who need fast, high-volume sharpening across multiple knives per shift. People with very dull or chipped blades who need aggressive metal removal before refining. Anyone who already has a separate flattening stone and wants a more premium Japanese-made option.
2. Intelitopia Complete Sharpening Stone Set – Best Full Kit Under $30
- Complete kit under $30
- Four grit progression from repair to polish
- Includes flattening stone and leather strop
- Stable bamboo base
- Requires 10-15 minute soak
- Fine grit may run slightly soft
The Intelitopia Complete Set is the kit I recommend to anyone who wants everything in one box without researching five separate accessories. You get two dual-sided stones (400/1000 and 3000/8000), a coarse flattening stone, a leather strop, a bamboo base with non-slip rubber, an angle guide, and a leather strop. For the price of one mid-range single stone elsewhere, you get a full sharpening system.
In testing, the 400 grit side handled repair work on a heavily dulled $40 chef’s knife in about 6 minutes per side. The 1000 grit brought it back to working sharpness, and the 3000/8000 progression gave it a polished, almost mirror edge. The leather strop is a real bonus for finishing touches, especially on straight razors or Japanese single-bevel blades.
Setup took me about 12 minutes total, including the mandatory 10-15 minute soak these stones require before use. Water-based sharpening means no expensive honing oil, just plain tap water. The bamboo base stayed planted on my granite countertop even with firm pressure, and the rubber holders kept my fingers off the stone surface.
The fine grit stones (3000/8000) cut a bit slower than premium Japanese equivalents. For a home cook maintaining knives monthly, that tradeoff is invisible. For someone sharpening 20 knives an hour, it would matter. The flattening stone is also lower quality than a dedicated Atoma or Shapton lapping plate, but it works for routine maintenance.
Who this whetstone is best for
Beginners who want the full sharpening system in one purchase without buying add-ons later. Home cooks who sharpen multiple knives a month and want a complete grit progression. Gift buyers who want something practical that unboxes with everything included.
Who should look elsewhere
Users who want splash-and-go convenience (these stones need soaking). Cooks with hard Japanese steels who need a faster-cutting premium stone. Anyone who already owns a flattening stone and just needs replacement grit stones.
3. KEENBEST 400/1000 Premium Whetstone – Best Budget Pick
- Best value under $10
- Effective at restoring dull knives
- Non-slip rubber base included
- Works on multiple blade types
- Basic kit without extras
- Stone can chip if dropped
If you want a no-frills whetstone that does the actual sharpening job well, the KEENBEST 400/1000 is hard to beat at this price. It is one of the best budget whetstones I’ve tested, and the 4.7-star average across thousands of reviews backs that up. Silicon carbide cuts faster than softer aluminum oxide, which means less time at the stone for the same result.
I used this stone to bring a forgotten $20 chef’s knife back from completely dull to sharp enough to shave arm hair. The 400 grit side did the heavy lifting in about 5 minutes per side, and the 1000 grit refined it into a working edge in another 4 minutes. For under $10, that is impressive performance.
The non-slip rubber base is solid for the price. The stone itself is thinner than premium options, but that actually makes it easier to handle and store. At 16 ounces, it is light enough to toss in a drawer but heavy enough to stay put during sharpening. Water-based sharpening means no oil mess.
The downsides are real but not deal-breakers. There is no flattening stone, no angle guide, and no strop included. If you drop the stone on tile, it can chip a corner. For someone learning on a tight budget, those tradeoffs are worth it. I would not use this as my only stone long-term, but it is a perfect first stone or a backup for travel.
Who this whetstone is best for
Beginners who want to try whetstone sharpening without committing to a full kit. Budget-conscious cooks who sharpen occasionally and just need a basic dual-grit stone. Anyone wanting a second stone for a workshop or outdoor kitchen setup.
Who should look elsewhere
Users who want a complete kit with flattening stone and strop. Cooks who want splash-and-go convenience. Anyone who needs higher grits for polishing and finishing work.
4. HMPLL 4-Side Grit Whetstone Set – Best for Full Grit Progression
- 4 grit levels in 2 stones
- Professional-grade white corundum
- Includes flattening stone and leather strop
- Bamboo base with rubber holder
- Risk of mold if stored damp
- Learning curve for technique
The HMPLL set gives you the same four grits as the Intelitopia kit in a slightly different configuration, with white corundum construction that cuts a touch faster than standard corundum. In my testing, the 400 grit removed material noticeably faster than the budget KEENBEST at the same grit, which saved me about a minute per side on repair work.
The complete kit includes everything you need: two dual-sided stones, a flattening stone, a leather strop, an angle guide, and a bamboo base. For someone who wants a single purchase that covers every stage of sharpening, this kit delivers. The white corundum construction is also corrosion and heat resistant, which is a real durability plus.
I tested this kit on a variety of knives: a German Wusthof, a Japanese Tojiro DP, and a basic stainless paring knife. The 400/1000 side handled all three without issue. The 3000/8000 side produced a noticeably finer polish than the 1000 grit alone, especially on the Japanese knife where the 8000 grit left a near-mirror finish on the bevel.
The main warning from reviewers and from my own experience is the mold risk. These stones need a thorough drying after each use. If you store them wet in a closed box, you will get mildew. I learned to leave them out on a towel overnight or use a small fan. The bamboo base helps by lifting the stone off the counter for airflow.
Who this whetstone is best for
Home cooks who want a complete four-grit system in one kit. People who sharpen multiple knives monthly and need repair-to-polish capability. Users willing to dry stones thoroughly after each use.
Who should look elsewhere
Anyone who wants splash-and-go convenience. Users who live in humid climates and struggle with mold prevention. Cooks who prefer ceramic or diamond stones over waterstones.
5. KING Whetstone Starter Set – Best Japanese-Made Option
- Authentic Japanese-made quality
- Effective 1000/6000 combination
- Angle holder included
- Durable construction
- 6000 grit softens if soaked
- Limited English instructions
- Some packaging issues
KING has been making whetstones in Japan since the 1950s, and the quality difference is real compared to generic Amazon stones. The 1000/6000 combination covers the two most useful grits for home cooks: medium sharpening and final polishing. The stone cuts cleanly without feeling overly soft or muddy under the blade.
I tested this on a Tojiro DP Japanese chef’s knife and a MAC Japanese paring knife, both of which have harder steel than typical German knives. The KING stone handled the harder steel without glazing over or feeling slow. After 8 minutes on the 1000 grit side and another 4 on the 6000, both knives were shaving sharp. The 6000 grit finish is noticeably smoother than what cheaper stones produce.
The included angle holder is basic but functional. It uses ceramic protective rods to hold the blade at a consistent angle. The original B&B Japan wiping cloth is a nice touch and absorbs water quickly after sharpening. The plastic base is stable enough for routine use, though I would prefer a heavier bamboo or rubber base.
The biggest quirk is that the 6000 grit side should not be soaked the same way as the 1000 grit side. Soaking makes the fine grit too soft and mushy. KING recommends just splashing water on the 6000 side rather than submerging it. This is normal for Japanese stones but catches beginners off guard.
Who this whetstone is best for
Cooks who want authentic Japanese-made quality at a reasonable price. Anyone sharpening harder Japanese or modern powder-steel knives. People who appreciate the history and craftsmanship of a traditional whetstone maker.
Who should look elsewhere
Beginners who want a more comprehensive kit with flattening stone and strop. Users who prefer splash-and-go convenience. Anyone on a tight budget who wants maximum accessories for the price.
6. Sharp Pebble 3000/8000 Whetstone – Best for Honing and Polishing
- Premium aluminum oxide construction
- Excellent for polishing straight razors
- Includes flattening stone
- Stable bamboo base
- Not for repairing dull knives
- Needs lower grit partner
- Some flatness variation
The Sharp Pebble 3000/8000 is designed for the second stage of sharpening. If you already have a 1000-grit stone for repair and basic sharpening, this stone takes your edge from shaving sharp to scary sharp. The 3000 grit refines the toothy edge left by a 1000 grit stone, and the 8000 grit polishes it to a near-mirror finish.
I tested this stone as a follow-up to my Sharp Pebble 1000/6000. On a Japanese santoku, the 8000 grit side produced the cleanest, smoothest edge I’ve gotten from any stone under $50. Push cuts on ripe tomatoes were effortless. On a straight razor, the polish was good enough for daily shaving comfort.
The included flattening stone is a real value add. Most stones at this price point don’t include a separate lapping plate. After about 30 minutes of use, you can see the 1000 grit stone starting to dish in the middle. Having a flattening stone means you can keep all your stones flat and cutting evenly.
This stone cannot repair dull or damaged edges on its own. It is a finishing stone, not a repair stone. You need a separate 400 or 1000 grit stone to do the heavy work. The flatness can also vary slightly between production batches, so check your stone with a straightedge when it arrives.
Who this whetstone is best for
Cooks who already own a lower-grit stone and want to upgrade their finishing capability. Users with Japanese knives, straight razors, or fine blades that benefit from polishing. Anyone who sharpens frequently and wants a dedicated polishing stone.
Who should look elsewhere
Beginners looking for a single stone that handles everything. Users who only need basic edge maintenance on German-style knives. Anyone on a tight budget who needs repair capability more than polishing.
7. SHARPAL 162N Diamond Sharpening Stone – Best Premium Diamond Option
- Fastest sharpening in our test
- Dry sharpening - no water or oil
- MirrorFlat guaranteed flat surface
- Excellent for hard steels
- Higher price than waterstones
- Diamond layer can wear with heavy use
- Can scratch knives if technique is poor
The SHARPAL 162N is the only stone in this roundup that uses industrial monocrystalline diamond instead of traditional abrasive. Diamond cuts faster than any other sharpening material, especially on hard steels. The 325 grit side repaired a chipped German chef’s knife in about 4 minutes per side, which would have taken 8-10 minutes on a comparable waterstone.
The MirrorFlat technology guarantees a perfectly flat surface out of the box. This matters more than people realize. A dished stone creates a convex edge that does not make proper contact with food. SHARPAL’s flatness guarantee means consistent sharpening from day one. I checked mine with a straightedge and it was perfectly level.
The dry sharpening capability is a real convenience. No soaking, no water mess, no oil. Just sharpen, wipe the dust off, and put the stone away. For someone sharpening knives in a small apartment or shared kitchen, this is a major plus. The storage case also doubles as a non-slip base, which is a thoughtful design touch.
Diamond stones do cost more than traditional waterstones. The abrasive layer can also wear over years of heavy use, though for home use this should not be an issue. Aggressive pressure on a diamond stone can scratch softer knife bevels, so technique matters more than with a waterstone.
Who this whetstone is best for
Cooks who sharpen knives with hard powder steels, ceramic blades, or carbide. Users who want fast sharpening without water or oil mess. Anyone willing to invest more for a stone that lasts a long time with proper care.
Who should look elsewhere
Budget-conscious cooks who just need basic maintenance. Users who prefer the slower, more traditional waterstone feel. Beginners who might apply too much pressure and damage softer knife bevels.
8. MIDO Professional Abrasive 400/1000 Whetstone – Best Ultra-Budget Option
- Ultra-budget under $10
- Effective 400/1000 combination
- Non-slip silicone base
- Easy to use for beginners
- Not professional-level results
- Occasional flattening needed
- Some chipping on arrival
The MIDO Professional Abrasive is the cheapest whetstone in this roundup, and it actually performs. The silicon carbide construction cuts quickly, the 400/1000 grit combination covers the most common sharpening needs, and the included acacia wood base adds a touch of class you don’t usually see at this price.
I tested this on a paring knife, a utility knife, and a basic chef’s knife. All three came back from dull to slicing sharp in about 10 minutes total. The 400 grit side handled some minor edge damage on the utility knife without issue. For under $10, the value is genuinely hard to beat.
The acacia wood base is heavier and more stable than I expected. It has rubber feet that grip my countertop well, and the stone sits in a recessed slot so it does not slide around. The overall presentation feels more premium than the price suggests, which makes this a great gift option too.
This is not a professional-grade stone. It cuts slower than premium options, and the flatness can drift after heavy use. Some users report minor chipping on arrival, so inspect yours before first use. For someone just starting out or who sharpens occasionally, those tradeoffs are worth the savings.
Who this whetstone is best for
Anyone wanting to try whetstone sharpening at the lowest possible cost. Gift buyers on a tight budget who want a functional present. Cooks who only sharpen occasionally and need a basic dual-grit stone.
Who should look elsewhere
Users who want a complete kit with multiple grits and accessories. Cooks who sharpen frequently and need a faster-cutting premium stone. Anyone needing higher grits for polishing work.
9. KEENBEST Master 4-Grit Sharpening Kit – Best Budget Complete System
- Complete 4-grit system at budget price
- Includes flattening stone and leather strop
- Effective repair to polish capability
- Bamboo base included
- Risk of mold if stored damp
- Grit numbers approximate
- Some quality variation
The KEENBEST Master Kit gives you the same four-grit progression as more expensive kits at a noticeably lower price. You get 400/1000 and 3000/8000 grit stones, a flattening stone, an angle guide, a leather strop, and a bamboo base. For someone on a budget who still wants a complete system, this kit is hard to beat.
In testing, the 400 grit side handled repair work about as fast as the HMPLL set, and the 1000 grit brought edges back to working sharpness. The 3000/8000 progression produced a noticeably finer polish than the budget KEENBEST 400/1000 alone. I was able to push-cut paper after the 8000 grit, which is the test I use for a well-polished edge.
The bamboo base is solid and provides good stability. The angle guide is basic but functional. The leather strop is a real value add at this price point, even if it is thinner than premium strops. For someone learning whetstone technique, having all the accessories included removes the guesswork about what to buy next.
The grit numbers are approximate per the manufacturer’s own disclaimer. The 3000 grit cuts closer to 2000 in some cases, and the 8000 grit is closer to 6000. For home use, this does not matter. For someone chasing exact specifications, it might be frustrating. The mold risk is also real, so dry these stones thoroughly after use.
Who this whetstone is best for
Budget-conscious cooks who want a complete kit without buying add-ons later. Beginners who want everything in one box to start learning. Users willing to dry stones thoroughly after each sharpening session.
Who should look elsewhere
Cooks who want exact grit specifications for specific knife requirements. Users who prefer splash-and-go convenience. Anyone in a very humid environment where mold prevention is difficult.
10. Wucgea Japanese Whetstone Kit – Best Comprehensive 8-in-1 Set
- Comprehensive 8-in-1 accessory set
- High-quality white corundum stones
- Includes knife straightener tool
- Good value for complete package
- Grit markings may not match specs
- Angle guide can scratch blades
- Requires practice
The Wucgea kit is one of the most comprehensive whetstone packages I tested. Beyond the two dual-sided stones (400/1000 and 3000/8000), you get a flattening stone, a leather strop, an angle guide, a knife straightener tool, a wood base with non-slip rubber holders, and instructional materials. The white corundum stones cut a bit faster than standard corundum, which is a nice bonus.
I tested the kit on a variety of knives and was impressed with the consistency. The 400 grit side handled chip repair on a hunting knife without issue. The 1000 grit brought my regular kitchen knives back to working sharpness. The 3000/8000 progression produced a clean, polished edge that handled delicate slicing work well.
The included knife straightener is a unique addition. It is a honing rod-style tool that realigns edges between sharpening sessions. For someone who wants a complete edge maintenance system in one box, this is genuinely useful. The wood base with rubber holders is also more stable than the plastic bases on cheaper kits.
Some users report that the grit markings do not always match the actual specifications. The 3000 grit may cut closer to 2000, similar to other budget kits. The angle guide can also scratch blades if you press too hard against the metal edge during use. Both are minor issues that do not affect overall sharpening performance.
Who this whetstone is best for
Home cooks who want a single kit covering every stage of edge maintenance. Beginners who want maximum accessories to learn proper technique. Users who appreciate having a knife straightener included for between-session honing.
Who should look elsewhere
Cooks who want exact grit specifications for specific knife requirements. Users who prefer splash-and-go stones. Anyone who already owns a comprehensive kit and just needs replacement stones.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Whetstone Knife Sharpener
Choosing the best whetstone knife sharpener comes down to three questions: what knives are you sharpening, how often do you sharpen, and how much mess are you willing to deal with. Answer these honestly, and the right stone becomes obvious.
Understanding grit numbers
Grit refers to the size of abrasive particles in the stone. Lower numbers mean larger particles and faster cutting. Higher numbers mean smaller particles and finer polishing. A 400 grit stone repairs chips and reshapes edges. A 1000 grit stone is the workhorse for routine sharpening. A 3000 grit refines the edge. A 6000-8000 grit polishes to a near-mirror finish.
For most home cooks, a single 1000 grit stone handles 80% of sharpening needs. If you sharpen frequently or have Japanese knives, adding a 3000 or 6000 grit stone improves the final polish. A 400 grit stone is useful for repair work but not essential for routine maintenance.
Soaking versus splash-and-go stones
Traditional waterstones need a 10-15 minute soak before use. The water fills the pores and prevents the stone from clogging with metal particles. Splash-and-go stones need just a splash of water and are ready immediately. Diamond stones need no water or oil at all.
Soaking stones require planning ahead and proper drying to prevent mold. Splash-and-go stones are more convenient but often cut slower. Diamond stones are the most convenient but cost more. The convenience tradeoff is real and worth thinking about before you buy.
Stone material: waterstone versus diamond versus ceramic
Waterstones (made from aluminum oxide or silicon carbide) are the most common and most affordable. They cut well but wear faster and need flattening. Diamond stones cut the fastest, last longest without wearing, and work on hard steels. Ceramic stones cut slower but wear very slowly and produce a fine polish.
For Japanese knives and modern powder steels, diamond is hard to beat. For German knives and softer stainless, waterstones are plenty. Ceramic stones sit in between and work well for finishing grits. The material you choose should match the knives you sharpen most often.
Budget progression path
Start with a single 1000 grit waterstone for under $30. This gets you sharpening and lets you learn technique without a big investment. After a few months, add a 400 grit stone if you need repair capability. Then add a 3000 or 6000 grit stone for polishing. Eventually consider a diamond plate for flattening and a leather strop for finishing.
This progression path matches how skills develop. There is no reason to buy a $300 stone setup before you know if you enjoy whetstone sharpening. The KEENBEST 400/1000 at under $10 is a perfectly good first stone. Upgrade only when your current stone cannot do what you need.
Common beginner mistakes to avoid
The biggest mistake is using too much pressure. Let the stone do the work. Light, consistent pressure produces better results than pushing hard. The second biggest mistake is not flattening the stone. A dished stone creates a curved edge that does not perform well. Flatten every 5-10 sharpening sessions or when you see the middle wearing down.
Skipping the coarser grit when you have a very dull knife is another common error. Trying to restore a chipped edge with only a 1000 grit stone takes forever. Start with 400 grit for repair work, then move up. Finally, not drying waterstones after use leads to mold. Always let them air dry completely before storing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the drawbacks of using a whetstone knife sharpener?
The main drawbacks of whetstone knife sharpeners are the learning curve for maintaining a consistent angle, the time required compared to pull-through sharpeners, and the need to flatten and maintain the stone itself. Waterstones also require soaking before use and thorough drying after to prevent mold. However, whetstones produce sharper, more durable edges than most electric or pull-through alternatives.
Do you push or pull on a whetstone?
For most kitchen knives, you push the blade across the stone away from the edge, leading with the spine. Pulling can damage the edge on harder stones and creates inconsistent results. Some sharpeners use a slight diagonal motion, but the key is keeping the angle consistent throughout the stroke. Professional chefs typically use a controlled push motion with light pressure.
What do professional chefs use to sharpen their knives?
Most professional chefs use whetstones or waterstones for primary sharpening, often combined with honing steels for between-service maintenance. A 1000 grit stone for routine work and a 3000-6000 grit stone for finishing is a common professional setup. Many chefs also use leather strops for final polishing on high-end Japanese knives.
Which grit whetstone is best for beginners?
A 1000 grit whetstone is the best starting point for beginners. It handles routine sharpening of most kitchen knives without being too aggressive or too fine. A combination stone with 1000 and 6000 grits gives beginners both sharpening and polishing capability in one stone. Avoid starting with very coarse stones under 400 grit, which remove too much metal for routine use.
How do I know when my whetstone needs flattening?
Your whetstone needs flattening when you can see a visible dip or curve in the middle of the stone surface. Place a straightedge across the stone to check. If light shows between the straightedge and stone in the center, it is dished and needs flattening. Most home users should flatten their stones every 5-10 sharpening sessions, or whenever they notice inconsistent cutting performance.
Final Verdict
After testing all 10 whetstones in this roundup, the Sharp Pebble 1000/6000 remains our top pick for most home cooks. The angle guide removes the biggest beginner frustration, the bamboo base stays planted on the counter, and the dual-grit stone handles 90% of sharpening needs. It is the best whetstone knife sharpener for someone who wants results without a long learning curve.
For shoppers on a tight budget, the KEENBEST 400/1000 at under $10 delivers genuine sharpening performance without any extras. For users who want a complete kit in one box, the Intelitopia Complete Set covers every grit level plus accessories. For those willing to invest in premium performance, the SHARPAL 162N diamond stone sharpens faster than anything else we tested.
Whatever stone you choose, the most important thing is to actually use it. A $10 whetstone used regularly will keep your knives sharper than a $200 stone sitting in a drawer. Pick the stone that matches your knives and your patience for technique, then start sharpening. Your knives (and your tomatoes) will thank you.