Rough, medium, and finishing whetstone in knife sharpening: the trifecta of sharpness
Three types of grinding stones, rough, medium, and finishing, are essential to maintain and improve the sharpness of a blade. These different types of grinding stones are used according to the condition and purpose of the blade, ultimately achieving a sharp edge. This article explains in detail about rough, medium, and finishing whetstones.
Coarse Stone
Rough grindstones are used for restoration and initial sharpening of knives. This wheel is suitable for sharpening dull areas and scratches on knives and has a relatively coarse grit. The main characteristics are as follows
- Grain coarseness: Rough grit has large grains and can quickly scrape off irregularities on the blade.
- Restoration: ideal for repairing dulled blades and deep scratches. Used in the early stages of blade preparation.
- Beginning: When sharpening a blade, it is common to start with rough grind, then move on to medium grind, and finally to finishing grind.
Medium Stone
Medium grinders are used to prepare the scratches removed by rough grinding and improve the sharpness of the blade. Because its roughness is finer than that of the rough grind, it is suitable for smoothing and sharpening the blade.
- Medium coarseness of grit: Medium grit is located between rough and fine grit and is ideal for shaping the blade.
- Preparation: Improves blade sharpness for superior cutting performance. Used after rough grinding.
Fine Stone
Finishing grinders are used to give a final finish to a blade to complete a sharp edge. It has very fine abrasive grains and provides a smooth finish to the blade.
- Fine grit: The finishing grit has a very fine grit that gives the blade a smooth cutting edge.
- Finishing: Used after medium grind to final sharpen the blade and improve sharpness.
- Types of grinding wheels: Finishing wheels include waterstones and ceramic grinding wheels.
summary
Rough, medium, and finishing whetstones are the three important whetstones essential for sharpening knives. By repairing scratches with the rough whetstone, shaping the blade with the medium whetstone, and achieving a smooth cutting edge with the finishing whetstone, the blade will cut effectively with a long life. Accurate sharpening and proper selection of whetstones are important skills for knife enthusiasts and professional cooks.