# Best whetstone sets for Japanese knives Source: https://edgeandhaft.com/best/best-whetstone-sets Publisher: Edge & Haft. Picks are chosen from what each Amazon listing states, not from hands-on tests. Method: https://edgeandhaft.com/how-we-pick Japanese knives are thin and hard, and most makers recommend water whetstones over pull-through or electric sharpeners. A good set covers three jobs: a coarse or medium stone around 1000 grit to set the edge, a finer stone from 3000 to 8000 to refine it, and sometimes a very fine stone for a polished finish. Two practical details matter as much as grit. First, whether the stones need soaking or only a splash of water, since splash-and-go stones are ready in seconds. Second, the base or holder, because a stone that slides on the counter is hard to use well. Stone size counts too: a long, wide stone makes sharpening a 240 mm gyuto easier. This guide compares six sets by grits, stone type, base or holder, soak or splash use and stone size, as each listing states them. ## Picks ### 1. Shapton Glass Stone Set w/Field Holder #500, 2000, 16000 Grit Grits: #500, #2000, #16000; Stone type: Shapton Glass stones; Base/holder: Shapton Field Holder included; Soak or splash: Splash, no soaking needed; Stone size: 8.25 x 2.75 in Three Shapton Glass stones from coarse to a very fine 16000 polish, with a holder. A complete, low-maintenance kit for cooks sharpening several Japanese knives. What the listing offers: - The listing says no soaking is needed: splash on water and start sharpening. - Grits run from #500 for repair to #16000 for a polished edge. - Field Holder and complete instructions are included, per the listing. Limits to know: - The jump from #2000 to #16000 is large; some cooks add a middle stone. - No flattening plate is included to keep the stones level. ### 2. Yoshihiro Professional Grade Toishi Japanese Whetstone Knife Sharpener Water Stones (SET) Grits: #1000, #3000, #6000; Stone type: Japanese water stones; Base/holder: Stone fixer included, plus nagura stone; Soak or splash: Not stated; Stone size: 8 x 2.9 x 0.9 in Three made-in-Japan water stones in a steady 1000 to 6000 progression, with a stone fixer and nagura conditioning stone. Good for a first full whetstone kit. What the listing offers: - Even grit steps from #1000 to #3000 to #6000 suit regular kitchen sharpening. - Width of 2.9 in and 0.9 in height are listed, for a large surface and long life. - Includes a stone fixer and a nagura conditioning stone. Limits to know: - The listing does not say whether the stones need soaking. - No coarse stone is included for chipped or very dull edges. ### 3. SHAPTON Ha No Kuromaku Ceramic Whetstone (D-set) - Rough & Medium & Fine Grit (#320, #1000, #5000) Grits: #320, #1000, #5000; Stone type: Ceramic whetstone; Base/holder: Not stated; Soak or splash: Not stated; Stone size: Not stated A rough, medium and fine Kuromaku set that covers edge repair through a clean finish. For cooks who also need to fix chips or very dull knives. What the listing offers: - The #320 stone handles repair work the finer sets here cannot. - #1000 and #5000 cover setting and refining a kitchen edge. - Ceramic Kuromaku stones, per the title, at a lower price than the Glass set. Limits to know: - The listing gives no stone size, holder or soaking details. - #5000 is the finest stone, so no high-polish option. ### 4. SHAPTON Ha No Kuromaku Ceramic Whetstone (E-set) Medium Grit (#1000) + Fine Grit (#5000, #8000) Grits: #1000, #5000, #8000; Stone type: Ceramic whetstone; Base/holder: Not stated; Soak or splash: Not stated; Stone size: Not stated A medium and two fine Kuromaku stones for maintaining and refining an edge that is already in good shape. Suits cooks who sharpen often. What the listing offers: - #1000 sets the edge, and #5000 and #8000 refine it for clean cuts. - Ceramic Kuromaku stones, as stated in the title. - Two fine grits suit hard Japanese steels that take a keen edge. Limits to know: - The listing gives no stone size, holder or soaking details. - No coarse stone is included for repairing chips. ### 5. SHAPTON Ha No Kuromaku Ceramic Whetstone Medium Grit (#2000) + Fine Grit (#12000) Grits: #2000, #12000; Stone type: Ceramic whetstone, color-coded; Base/holder: Plastic case doubles as sharpening table; Soak or splash: Not stated; listing says it can also be used as an oil stone; Stone size: Not stated A two-stone finishing set with a #2000 and a #12000 in cases that double as sharpening bases. For cooks who already have a 1000 stone and want a polish. What the listing offers: - Each stone's case can be used as a sharpening table, per the listing. - #12000 is one of the finest grits in this guide for a polished edge. - Lowest price among the whetstone sets in this guide. Limits to know: - No 1000 grit stone, so it is a finishing set, not a complete kit. - Stone size and soaking needs are not stated in the listing. ### 6. Bob Kramer by ZWILLING J.A Henckels 6-pc Glass Water Stone Sharpening Set Grits: Not stated; Stone type: Glass water stones; Base/holder: Not stated; Soak or splash: Not stated; Stone size: Not stated A six-piece glass water stone set under the Bob Kramer name. The listing is thin, so it suits buyers who can confirm grits and contents first. What the listing offers: - The title describes glass water stones, the same stone type as the Shapton Glass set. - Six pieces, per the listing, suggests more than a basic two-stone kit. - Listed item weight of 6.6 lb points to substantial stones. Limits to know: - The listing does not state grits, stone size or what the six pieces are. - Holder and soaking needs are not stated, so check the product images and details. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.