Samura Combination Whetstone, #2000/#5000

The grit number tells you how fine a stone is: the higher the number, the finer the abrasive and the smoother the edge it leaves. Start on the coarser #2000 side, which levels and sharpens the cutting edge. Then turn the stone over and continue on the finer #5000 side to bring the edge into good shape with a smoother finish.

Work across the entire surface of the stone as you sharpen. Spreading the work over the whole stone helps it wear evenly over time.

The stone measures 185 × 65 mm and is 32 mm thick. It comes with a pad that keeps it from sliding over the work surface, so the stone stays steady while you sharpen. The whetstone has a 2-year warranty.

• Sharpening and levelling the edge of kitchen knives on the #2000 side
• Refining and finishing the edge on the #5000 side
• Double-bevel knives, one side at a time until a burr appears
• Single-bevel Japanese knives, bevelled side first

Before use, submerge the whetstone completely in water for 10–15 minutes and keep it wet while you sharpen. Sharpen one side of the knife until a burr appears, then sharpen the other side, keeping the original factory bevel angle of 15–17°. For single-bevel Japanese knives, sharpen the bevelled side until a uniform burr appears, then pass the concave side lightly over the stone, and repeat on the finer #5000 side if needed.

SAMURA sharpening tools are made to sharpen kitchen knives without much effort, and stones in various grain sizes help you restore the right angle and keep your knives sharp. Alongside single-grit and other combination whetstones, the range includes a honing rod, an electric sharpener and a sharpening angle holder.