For those who have various types of knives at home, you will know the importance of having the correct sharpening stone and honing technique for each type. Today, we will be taking a look at straight razor blades and the importance of keeping it in tip-top shape on a regular basis. For beginners, sharpening straight razors might seem a bit daunting at first due to the method that is required.
The terms used in sharpening blades can be a bit confusing at times as you will encounter words such as “honing” and “stropping”. To help you along the way, we will be giving you our list of the best sharpening stone for straight razors as well as guideline on key aspects regarding this subject matter.
In a Hurry?
In a hurry and don’t want to scour through our complete review and guidelines? No worries. We listed our top sharpening stone for straight razors down below and separated each pick into three categories based on overall performance and price, premium quality construction, and budget-friendliness.
Overall Pick
Sharp Pebble Stone Premium Sharpening Whetstone
Due to its 3000/8000 grit, the Sharp Pebble Stone Premium is best suited for taking on dull, chipped, and rusted blades. In particular, this is a great choice for sharpening small to medium sized straight razors. The dual-sided stone and base all feel robust and should hold out for a decent amount of time before any wear and tear becomes visible.
High-End Pick
ASEL Knife Sharpening Stone Kit
If you are looking for a complete set of stone sharpeners at a fairly reasonable price, then you should check out the ASEL Knife Sharpening Kit. You will gain access to a 400/1000 and 3000/8000 grit dual-sided stones. It also comes with a flattening stone, angle guide, and razor strop. It comes with a sturdy wooden base with rubberized underside for better stability when placed on a bench. You pretty much get everything you need to sharpen and hone your knife set at home with this kit.
Budget-Pick
Chefic Whetstone Premium 2-in-1 Sharpening Stone
If you are looking for a complete set of stone sharpeners at a fairly reasonable price, then you should check out the ASEL Knife Sharpening Kit. You will gain access to a 400/1000 and 3000/8000 grit dual-sided stones. It also comes with a flattening stone, angle guide, and razor strop. It comes with a sturdy wooden base with rubberized underside for better stability when placed on a bench. You pretty much get everything you need to sharpen and hone your knife set at home with this kit.
Testing the Sharpness of your Razor Blade
Knowing how to test the sharpness of your razor blade will determine when you will need a sharpening stone. This is a must-do task before buying a new sharpening stone. If you have already done it and decided that you need a sharpening stone straight away, click here to skip this part. Now, let's dive in!
Thumb Pad Test
This is basically the simplest and quickest method. However, you need to be extra careful when applying this test! With your razor blade in hand, try to slowly and carefully run your thumb across the edge of the blade to get a feel of its sharpness.
Remember to run your thumb ACROSS and NOT ALONG the blade as you might slice yourself. If you feel a slight tickle (brush) on your thumb as you run it across the blade then it is still dull and needs some extra honing. What you want to avoid though is if you feel the blade dig into your thumb then you might have over done the honing process.
What you need is for the blade to offer some slight grip as you run your thumb across. Once you feel as if the razor blade is ready, you can apply another test to help figure out whether the blade is truly ready.
Arm Hair Test
This is a relatively safe and simple way to test the sharpness of your razor blades. Try shaving a small amount of hair on your arm. Arm hair is significantly finer so it will be quite easy to tell if your razor blade is as sharp as can be. If the razor blade is having difficulty here, then you need to work on it a bit more on your sharpening stone.
Razor Blade Sharpening Accessories
Strops are essential when it comes to sharpening your razors. Of course, it is important to understand that there are several types of strops available. These strops will have their own strengths and weaknesses. Understanding the subtle differences between these strops will help you pick the right one to fit your needs.
Hanging Strop
This is the most common type of strop that you can find. It is a long strip of leather with a patch of canvas stitched to the hook end. The hanging strop is then attached to the wall securely which allows you to pull it tight when you need to use it.
Hanging strops can also vary in length and width. Strops with larger width (around 3-inches), is recommended as it will not require users to do the “X” pattern movement when stropping.
Paddle Strop
Paddle strops are planks of wood with leather strips either glued or stitched on the surface. Paddle strops are smaller than hanging strops which makes using it slightly more difficult and requires some level of experience. Since the leather is attached to a small wooden board, there is no need to attach this strop to a wall. Thus, making it a viable strop for use when camping or hunting.
Loom Strop
The loom strop is similar in design to the paddle strop. The main difference between the two is that loom strops feature leather that is looped around a metal bracket rather than being glued/stapled/stitched to a piece of wood.
The main feature of loom strops is that you can adjust the leather’s tension manually. This strop type basically delivers the same versatile advantages of a hanging strop without limiting it via wall attachments.
Grit and Honing Types
Now, that you have an understanding about strops, let us go now to the nitty-gritty of this topic, the grit and honing types. When it comes to sharpening and honing straight razor blades, we recommend you go with sharpening stones or whetstones that provide the following grit: 4000, 8000, and 12000.
The 4000-grit stone is ideal for sharpening, the 8000-grit is best suited for polishing, and the 12000-grit whetstone is for laying the finishing touches. You can also get sharpening stone with grit anywhere in between 4000 to 12000.
For beginners, we suggest you go with synthetic whetstones as these offer more convenience and consistency when it comes to results. Synthetic whetstones are typically made from various types of minerals which are combined with aluminum oxide. Each combination will provide different levels of grit, making synthetic sharpening stones one of the more versatile options available.
Keep in mind that sharpening stones are not created equal. Some brand offers better quality whetstones than others. We highly recommend you stick with brand names that are synonymous in their particular market to ensure overall quality and dependability.
As with most purchases, be wary of the cheap whetstones. In some cases, low-cost sharpening stones tend to not be properly lapped which means these are not flattened down. Honing with an unlapped whetstone will unavoidably result in an uneven polish.
The Best Sharpening Stone for Straight Razors For You To Choose This Year!
Now, no more waiting, here comes the main part of the article where we analyze every single product that makes this best sharpening stone for straight razor list:
1. Chefic Whetstone Premium 2-in-1
Features:
- Material: White corundum stone.
- Grit: 3000/8000.
- Dimensions: 7.09 x 1.18 x 2.36-inches.
- Weight: 1 lb.
Chefic is one of the few exemptions when it comes to budget-friendly sharpening stones. While it is true that this 2-in-1 whetstone is cheap, it still manages to deliver top-notch results when it comes to sharpening straight razor blades. It features a 3000-grit side which can make dull blades retain their original sharpness, and then some. The 8000-grit will do the finishing touches and polish the edge to give it that striking sheen.
In addition, this 2-in-1 sharpening stone is corrosion-resistant and heat-resistant which gives it that added longevity and durability. The silicone base also helps keep this whetstone in place during use, which reduces risk of accidents and injuries. There is also a 100% satisfaction guarantee that allows you to return the product within 30-days if it did not meet your expectations.
Pros:
Cons:
Our Verdict:
The large size that the Chefic 2-in-1 Premium Sharpening Stone allows it to achieve some excellent sharpening and honing result. All of this, at a very affordable price tag.
2. Sharp Pebble Premium Sharpening Stone
Features:
- Material: Aluminum oxide.
- Grit: 3000/8000.
- Dimensions: 7.25 x 2.25 x 1-inches.
- Weight: 1.76 lbs.
Sharp Pebble Store is one of the most trusted manufacturers of whetstone and their Premium Sharpening Bundle is another great choice for working on your straight razor blades. It features dual-sided design which provides 3000/8000 grit. The wooden base with non-slip feet helps keep this whetstone stable and secure when in use.
This sharpening stone is also well-made and designed for long-term and heavy-duty use. Not only is it designed to handle kitchen knives and straight razor blades, it can also be used to maintain or sharpen heavy-duty tools like several gardening equipment and hunting gear.
Pros:
Cons:
Our Verdict:
You can’t go wrong with a Sharp Pebble Sharpening Stone. Their products are among the most reliable in the business and they offer these quality whetstones at a reasonable price tag. Their brand is also quite synonymous with versatility so you should check out their full catalogue as well.
3. ASEL Professional Stone Sharpening Kit
Features:
- Material: Aluminum oxide.
- Grit: 400/1000, 3000/8000.
- Dimensions: 7.2 x 2.2 x 1-inches.
- Weight: 0.25 lbs./whetstone.
The ASEL Professional Stone Sharpening Kit comes with all the essential tools to fully sharpen your blades. From a versatile dual-sided sharpening stone that provides 400/1000 and 3000/8000 grit to a hanging strop and a flattening stone, this is basically an ‘all-in-one’ set for all your sharpening needs.
Both whetstones do require lubrication before use. We recommend you let the sharpening stone block to soak for about 10-minutes under water before you start using it. We also suggest you regularly pour water on the whetstone during use to keep it cool and prevent damage. This kit also comes with a hanging strop which is made from genuine cowhide leather.
Pros:
Cons:
Our Verdict:
As a strictly straight razor blade sharpening stone, the ASEL Pro Stone Sharpening Kit is one of the best in the market. It comes with all essential tools, even a hanging strop, which means you will have all the means to properly maintain your razor blade. We do advise extra care as the 400-grit stone can get a bit rough on the blade’s edge.
4. CWINDY Sharpening Stone
Features:
- Material: Corundum.
- Grit: 3000/8000.
- Dimensions: 7.1 x 1.2 x 2.4-inches.
- Weight: 1.2 lbs.
Made from natural corundum, the CWINDY sharpening stone is another notable whetstone of the budget-friendly variety. It utilizes the dual-sided design which gives users both 3000 and 8000-grit. The 3000-grit side can effectively refine dull edges while the 8000-grit side is used to polish the blade. This whetstone is recommended for a wide variety of blades, straight razors included.
This whetstone requires lubrication before use, so soak it for at least 5 to 10 minutes in water. Those who purchase this sharpening stone from official retailers will also get a free e-Book that gives some pointers and techniques on how to optimize their use and results.
Pros:
Cons:
Our Verdict:
With its affordable price tag and decent quality whetstone, the CWINDY is best suited for light-duty home use. Since you won’t be sharpening your razor blades too heavily, this CWINDY sharpening stone is a good cost-effective option.
Final Thoughts
Straight razor blades need regular maintenance due to its high-precision application. A straight razor blade that is even slightly dulled will have noticeably reduced efficiency. This is why we highly recommend you get a sharpening stone for your straight razor blade. This will allow you to keep your blade in pristine and in razor sharp form, just as its moniker implies.
