Where Does Whetstone Come from?

The best sharpening stones (or whetstones) come from Japan. At least that is the generally accepted view, one we gladly endorse. After all, the Japanese are absolute experts when it comes to sharpening. Japanese sharpening stones are made from different materials and should generally be used in combination with water.

What is a whetstone made from?

Synthetic or artificial whetstones are made with bonded abrasives. These are commonly aluminium oxide, silicon carbide (a type of ceramic), or a diamond coating mounted on a metal sheet. Synthetic whetstones offer a consistent grit size, which allows for faster, more effective sharpening.

Where do natural whetstones come from?

Natural whetstones are typically formed of quartz, such as novaculite. The Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas are noted as a source for these. Novaculite is also found in Syria and Lebanon, previously a part of the Ottoman (Turkish) empire, hence the use of the older name in America of Turkey stone.