King Whetstone Starter Set - Best Value Whetstone
The King Whetstone Starter Set offers an exceptional introduction to freehand sharpening, delivering professional-level results at an accessible price point for beginners and pros.
- +Dual-sided 1000/6000 grit stone handles both sharpening and polishing
- +Includes a non-slip plastic base and an angle guide for beginners
- +Affordable price provides access to traditional freehand sharpening methods
- -Softer stone material can dish (wear unevenly) over time, requiring flattening
- -Freehand technique requires practice to master consistent angles
- -Stone length can be challenging for sharpening long chef's knives in a single stroke
The King Whetstone Starter Set is the ideal entry point for anyone interested in learning the art of freehand knife sharpening. This kit includes a dual-grit synthetic water stone, featuring a 1000-grit side for reshaping and sharpening and a 6000-grit side for honing and polishing. The combination allows a user to take a dull blade from a working edge to a refined, razor-sharp finish. The set is notably beginner-friendly, as it comes with a non-slip plastic base to stabilize the stone on a counter and a plastic angle guide that helps users maintain the correct sharpening angle while they develop their technique.
In performance tests, knives sharpened on the King stone achieved some of the sharpest edges measured, capable of cleanly slicing paper and tomatoes. The primary consideration with this and all whetstones is the skill requirement; achieving perfect results demands practice and patience. Additionally, the stone's softer composition means it will eventually develop a concave surface with use, necessitating periodic flattening with a lapping stone. However, for its low cost and the high-quality edge it can produce, the King Whetstone represents outstanding value and effectiveness.