Sharpening Grits Explained: When and Why You Use Each

Sharpening stones come in a wide range of grit values, and understanding what each grit is for makes your sharpening more efficient and predictable. Instead of guessing, you can match the stone’s grit to the task at hand — coarse grits for edge repair, medium grits for general sharpening, and fine grits for polishing.

This guide explains how grit works in practice and helps you pick the right stone or progression based on your needs.

What “Grit” Actually Means

A stone’s grit number refers to the size of its abrasive particles. Lower numbers mean coarser abrasives that remove more material quickly. Higher numbers mean finer abrasives that refine and polish the edge.

In general:

• Coarse grits (e.g., 200–600 area) reset very dull edges or fix damage.
• Medium grits (e.g., 800–1,500 area) restore a sharp edge after initial shaping.
• Fine grits (e.g., 2,000+) refine and polish the edge for smoother cuts and longer edge life.

When selecting stones, consider how dull a knife is and what you want the final edge to feel like.

Coarse Grits: Rebuilding and Repair

Coarse stones are for when an edge has rolled, chipped, or become very dull. They remove material rapidly to re-establish a clean bevel. For examples of stones that cover the coarse grit range, you can explore internal listings like coarse grit stones to see options available on this site.

Using a coarse stone correctly means taking your time and keeping the angle steady — you are reshaping, not polishing.

Medium Grits: Everyday Sharpening

Medium grits are the backbone of most sharpening routines. They remove dullness efficiently while leaving a decent surface finish ready for refinement. For stones in this category, try searching or browsing results like medium grit stones , where stones useful for routine edge maintenance are grouped.

Most knife owners find that medium stones (e.g., in the 800–1,500 grit range) are sufficient for weekly or biweekly sharpening of kitchen and everyday carry knives.

Fine Grits: Polishing and Edge Retention

After establishing a consistent edge, fine grit stones help refine and polish the edge for smoother cuts and longer edge life. These are best used after medium stones. You can find examples by browsing internal listings such as fine grit stones that show options suited for refinement.

Fine grits are not necessary every time — they shine the edge and reduce microscopic burrs that can wear faster during use.

How to Combine Grits in Real Practice

An effective sharpening progression might look like:

• Start with a coarse stone if the edge is damaged
• Use a medium stone to reshape and define the edge
• Finish with a fine stone for smoothness and polish

This approach ensures you’re not overworking your stones or your knives, and it produces reliable results with less effort.

Final Thoughts

Understanding grit levels turns sharpening into a predictable routine rather than guesswork. By matching grit to the task, you save time and achieve a sharper, longer-lasting edge.

Sharpening with intention starts with understanding grit — and now you know how to choose it wisely.