SHARPAL 162N Double-sided Diamond Sharpening Stone Review: A Reliable Choice for Razor-Sharp Edges

When it comes to maintaining sharp knives and tools, a high-quality sharpening stone is essential. After trying various sharpening methods, I found the SHARPAL 162N Double-sided Diamond Sharpening Stone to be one of the most efficient and durable options. This sharpening stone offers a dual-grit surface with coarse 325 grit for quick edge setting and extra fine 1200 grit for precision honing. In this review, I’ll share my experience using this product, what I liked about it, and why it’s a great investment for anyone looking to keep their blades in top shape.

Design and Build Quality

One of the standout features of the SHARPAL 162N is its industrial-grade monocrystalline diamond surface. Unlike traditional oil stones or water stones that can wear unevenly over time, this sharpening stone maintains a super flat surface thanks to SHARPAL’s exclusive MirrorFlat technology. This feature ensures consistent and even sharpening, which is crucial for maintaining a sharp and long-lasting edge on knives and tools.

The sharpening stone is electroplated onto a steel base with a 0.35-inch thickness, making it highly durable and resistant to wear. It measures 8 inches by 3 inches, providing ample space to sharpen a variety of blades, from kitchen knives to chisels and even ceramic tools. The non-slip base adds to its stability, preventing any movement while sharpening, which enhances safety and precision.

Performance and Ease of Use

One of the biggest advantages of the SHARPAL 162N is its fast sharpening capability. Compared to oil stones and water stones, which require frequent maintenance and lubrication, this diamond sharpening stone works dry, eliminating the need for messy oils or water. This saves time and makes the sharpening process much more convenient.

The dual-grit feature is another highlight. The coarse 325 grit is perfect for restoring dull or damaged edges quickly, while the extra fine 1200 grit allows for a razor-sharp finish. During my testing, I used the 325 grit to restore an old chef’s knife that had become dull over time. Within a few minutes, I noticed a significant improvement in sharpness. Switching to the 1200 grit refined the edge further, giving it a polished and smooth finish that made slicing effortless.

Another feature I appreciated is the included sharpening angle guide, which provides four universal angles (14°, 17°, 20°, and 25°). This guide is particularly helpful for beginners who may struggle to maintain a consistent angle while sharpening. Even as someone with sharpening experience, I found it useful for ensuring precision, especially when working with different types of knives.

Durability and Longevity

Durability is a major factor when choosing a sharpening stone, and the SHARPAL 162N does not disappoint. The monocrystalline diamond coating is much harder and more resistant to wear than traditional abrasives. I have used this stone extensively, and it has shown minimal signs of wear, maintaining its flat surface and effectiveness over time. The included storage case also helps protect the stone when not in use, preventing accidental damage.

What I Liked About the SHARPAL 162N

• Fast and Efficient Sharpening – The diamond surface sharpens blades much faster than oil or water stones.

• Dual Grit Functionality – The 325 grit restores edges quickly, while the 1200 grit provides a polished finish.

• No Need for Oil or Water – This stone can be used dry, making the sharpening process cleaner and more convenient.

• Super Flat Surface – Ensures even sharpening and long-lasting performance.

• Durability – The monocrystalline diamond material is highly wear-resistant and long-lasting.

• Included Accessories – The storage case, non-slip base, and sharpening angle guide make it a complete sharpening solution.

Who Should Buy This Sharpening Stone?

The SHARPAL 162N is ideal for a variety of users, including:

• Home cooks and professional chefs who need to maintain sharp kitchen knives.

• Outdoor enthusiasts who want a reliable sharpening tool for hunting and camping knives.

• Woodworkers and hand tool users who require precision sharpening for chisels and plane blades.

• Anyone looking for a durable, long-lasting sharpening solution without the hassle of oil or water stones.

Final Verdict

After using the SHARPAL 162N Double-sided Diamond Sharpening Stone, I can confidently say that it is one of the best sharpening stones available. Its combination of fast sharpening, dual grit functionality, and long-lasting durability makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about blade maintenance. Whether you’re sharpening kitchen knives, outdoor tools, or woodworking blades, this sharpening stone delivers excellent results with minimal effort.

If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient sharpening tool, the SHARPAL 162N is an excellent choice that provides professional-grade performance at a reasonable price.

Top reviews from the United States

• 

  Shawn

  5.0 out of 5 stars Top quality product that works exactly as designed, and a great price!

  Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2020

  Style: 20.3 cm x 7.6 cm / 8 x 3 inches

  This is my very first "sharpening system" that I have purchased primarily for sharpening my woodworking tools. I always wanted to go straight to diamond whetstones due to their low maintenance and longevity compared to traditional oil or water stones, but I couldn't bring myself to pay that initial expense. Then comes along this Sharpal system (I bought the 3"x8" variety). The price was so good, I was a bit leary about the quality or whether or not it would last. Not having much experience sharpening hand woodworking tools, I wasn't even sure if the basic two-grit system (325 and 1200 for this set) would work (including a leather strop, which I purchased separately).
  
  Sharpal's description of their product checked all the right boxes: monocrystaline diamonds, electroplated bonding, super flat plate, storage and holding case. With the 3 year warranty and the great price, I decided I had nothing to lose, so I took the plunge.
  
  I used it for the first time yesterday (along with an off-brand "Eclipse" style honing guide that I also recently purchased). I had a #4 plane iron and a set of 4 chisels that needed sharpening. The iron is used (~100 years old) and just needed a basic touch-up, but the chisels were brand new and had never been set up or sharpened (except by the factory). In all cases, the Sharpal system performed fantastically well. All of my worries about only having a coarse and extra fine grit (and stroping) step in my sharpening process were laid to rest. These two grits along with the strop were all I needed to get hair-shaving-, magazine-paper-slicing-sharp edges on my tools.
  
  Sharpal says to sharpen dry, but I decided to use some Windex for this first go-around (based on what I've learned from the web). It worked just fine. I will likely try to sharpen dry, like Sharpal recommends, next time around. One thing I noticed is that, when I was all done, it took a bit of effort to clear out all of the metal dust, even though I was using the Windex to keep metal from building up. I have to wonder, then, if the Windex made much difference. In any case, when I was finished, I rinsed the plate under the sink and scrubbed it with my fingers (I didn't have a nylon brush handy). It came clean at the expense of my finger prints. :)
  
  The base/case works very well. It protects the plate while stored, has a handy cutout to hold the "angle finder" pyramid and holds the plate perfectly still while sharpening due to its foam rubber bottom.
  
  Back to that angle finder pyramid. This was a pleasant little bonus. I have a few high end Japanese kitchen knives that I have traditionally sharpened with a Lansky sharpening system (the one with the the blade clamp and the skinny whetstones that go on the end of a metal rod). I decided to try sharpening my chef's knife with the Sharpal whetstone. This particular knife has a 20° angle, so that's the side I used on the pyramid. It was surprisingly easy to do this. I think I only made 10 passes on each side of the blade with the coarse grit, then the fine, then my stropping leather. That blade was easily the sharpest it has ever been. So, as a bonus, I now have a better, simpler way to sharpen my knives!
  
  I can't really comment on longevity yet since I've only had it for a few days, but so far, it looks like something that will last WAY beyond its 3 year warranty.
  
  If you're like me and you've been waiting on the fence to make the investment into diamond whetstones, no need to wait any longer. This is the set you want.
• 

  Scott W

  5.0 out of 5 stars Good diamond stone

  Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2024

  Style: 20.3 cm x 7.6 cm / 8 x 3 inches

  I waited to write this review until I had a chance to sharpen up a few knives with this stone. After sharpening several knives, I'm happy to report the sharpener works well and is holding up just fine. The grits are great for putting on a new edge and getting your blade ready for the strop. It's a great size for all my knives and carving axes. The case is a bonus and makes the entire package a great value. I know some have said the diamonds don't bite or get worn off after several sharpening, but that's not my experience at all. I was able to bring up a nice burr fairly quickly, refine the edge and get it ready for stropping. After a quick strop, every knife and carving axe I've sharpened with this stone was able to shave hair off my arm. Would I buy it again? Yep, in a heartbeat.
• 

  Clarickmo

  5.0 out of 5 stars Very Effective Diamond Stone

  Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2025

  Style: 20.3 cm x 7.6 cm / 8 x 3 inches

  This sharpening stone is effective, easy to use and (relatively) cost-effective. The 300 grit side is useful for quickly profiling an edge and bringing it to apex/burr. Careful use of the 1000 grit side can effectively remove the burr without requiring the use of a stropping operation. I highly recommend the 8" length instead of the smaller 6" length for both guided sharpening systems and hand sharpening as well. You'll appreciate the additional length as it provides more surface area and allows for longer sharpening strokes leading to improved consistency and performance.
• 

  M Martin

  5.0 out of 5 stars Very compact and functional sharping kit

  Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2025

  Style: 20.3 cm x 7.6 cm / 8 x 3 inches

  I recently received my Sharpal double-sided diamond sharpening stone. I haven't had a chance to actually use the stones but my first impressions are very positive. The stones definitely have weight to them and appear to be excellent quality. I really appreciate the compactness of the kit. The hard plastic case is nicely padded on the inside to avoid scratching the stones. The case has a rubber, no skid bottom pad. You could easily use the stones as they rest in the kit. The included angle guide is a nice feature for those starting out with hand sharpening. Overall, I'm very happy with this very compact and well thought out sharpening kit.
• 

  M. Parker

  5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent stone.

  Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2025

  Style: 20.3 cm x 7.6 cm / 8 x 3 inches

  Has a great coarse grit and fine grit. The box it comes in also hold the stone up and stationary while you sharpen. It comes with angle guides. I dont use them, but its nice that they are there for those that do want to use them. This may night be the absolute best stone on the market, but its probably the most bang for your buck available. It can handle the majority of your sharpening needs.