Sharpening Stone

A sharpening stone (also called a whetstone) is a flat block of abrasive material used to grind and hone the edges of carving tools. When a blade loses its sharp edge or picks up a small nick, running it over the stone removes metal and restores a keen cutting edge. Stones usually have two grits – a coarse side for reshaping a damaged bevel and a fine side for polishing the edge. In wood carving, a whetstone is a simple, time-tested way to sharpen knives and chisels; BeaverCraft even calls it “one of the most traditional and practical tools for sharpening wood carving knives”.

For beginners, sharpening stones are important for learning proper technique and restoring a dull blade. You soak the stone (if it’s a waterstone), hold the knife at a correct angle, and slide it along the surface to grind the edge. BeaverCraft’s tool-care guide explicitly advises using a sharpening stone (or honing compound) regularly to keep tools “razor-sharp”. Sharp blades cut cleanly with less force, making carving both safer and more efficient.

BeaverCraft’s resources treat sharpening stones as essential accessories. Their how-to sharpening guide walks through using a whetstone step-by-step (starting with a coarse grit, then fine). The company’s FAQ also reminds users that proper technique and the right tools (stones or strops) are necessary to avoid damaging blades. In short, BeaverCraft considers sharpening stones (and compounds) key kit items: regularly honing tools with a whetstone keeps carving work smooth and enjoyable.