Opinel Large Natural Sharpening Whetstone – Fine-Grain Ariège Schistose Sandstone, 5.5"

Fine grain, quick results. My No.08 is scary sharp again.

I've used cheap synthetic stones for years and always ended up with scratchy, semi-sharp edges. This Ariège schistose sandstone is a different animal. Soaked it for ten minutes, worked my chef's knife across at about 15 degrees, and the edge now shaves arm hair. The size is generous too, plenty of surface to work with.

Cuts slowly compared to a coarse stone, but that's the point of a fine grain finisher. Took me a few sessions to get consistent pressure. Once I did, my pocket knives have never been sharper. Recommend wetting it rather than using it dry.

I'm 68 and learned to sharpen on natural stones like this one back in my restaurant days. Was delighted to find Opinel still sources real Ariège stone. It wears evenly, gives a lovely polished edge, and needs no fancy oil. Just water and patience.

Does the job on kitchen knives but it dished slightly in the middle after a couple months of weekly use. Maybe my technique. For seventeen bucks I'm not upset, just noting it's a softer natural material.

Bought this specifically to maintain my growing pile of Opinel folding knives. The fine grain is ideal for the Sandvik steel they use. Nice compact size for the drawer and it came with simple care instructions. Happy camper.

Stone looked fine in photos but showed up with a chip on one corner. Didn't affect sharpening much so I kept it, but disappointing packaging.

Honestly I did not expect a natural sandstone to outperform my two-hundred-dollar guided system, but the polish this leaves is finer. My whittling knives glide through basswood now. Simple, honest tool from a region that's been making these forever.