09/30/2026
Longer video but stick around — this one’s worth it.
Belts vs whetstones: which is better?
My answer is both. And here’s why.
Each has a specific role depending on the knife, the condition it’s in, and the outcome I’m going for.
Belts are great for sharpening lower tier knives at scale. Fast and efficient. But they can easily damage a knife if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Whetstones are my preferred method. They take longer and require more skill, but offer a cleaner, more controlled result. Better edge geometry, better finish, better outcome for knives that deserve that level of attention.
Here’s my firm belief: you need to understand whetstones before you ever touch a belt. That’s where you build your foundation. Edge geometry, angles, technique, the fundamentals of what sharpening actually is. Without that, a belt is just a fast way to make expensive mistakes.
Drop a comment with your thoughts. Curious where you’re at with this.
