12 best dental sharpening stones

Dental sharpening stones, also known as dental stones or dental sharpening hones, are specialized tools used in the field of dentistry for maintaining and sharpening dental instruments. These stones play a crucial role in ensuring that dental instruments, such as dental scalers and curettes, remain sharp and effective. Here's what you need to know about dental sharpening stones:

  1. Composition:

    • Dental sharpening stones are typically made from abrasive materials like silicon carbide or aluminum oxide.
    • They come in various shapes and sizes, including flat, cylindrical, and tapered forms.
  2. Purpose:

    • Dental instruments used by dentists and dental hygienists, such as scalers and curettes, have fine cutting edges that can become dull with use.
    • Dental sharpening stones are used to restore and maintain the sharpness of these instruments.
    • Sharp instruments are essential for effective dental procedures, as they minimize patient discomfort and allow for precise work.
  3. Grit Sizes:

    • Dental sharpening stones are available in different grit sizes, similar to other sharpening stones. Lower grit numbers (coarse stones) are used for initial sharpening, while higher grit numbers (fine stones) are used for honing and refining the edge.
  4. Technique:

    • Sharpening dental instruments with dental stones requires skill and precision. Dentists and dental hygienists are trained in the proper technique.
    • The process involves holding the instrument at the correct angle and using controlled strokes to remove material from the cutting edge while maintaining the instrument's shape.
  5. Maintenance:

    • Dental sharpening stones need to be regularly cleaned and maintained to ensure they remain effective.
    • They may need to be flattened or conditioned periodically to remove buildup and maintain their flat, even surface.
  6. Hygiene:

    • Sterilization and infection control are crucial in the dental field.Dental sharpening stones must be properly cleaned and sterilized before and after use to prevent cross-contamination.
  7. Alternatives:

    • In addition to dental sharpening stones, some dental professionals may use specialized sharpening machines that automate the sharpening process. These machines offer consistency but may require regular maintenance.

Dental sharpening stones are essential tools in dental practices, ensuring that dental instruments remain sharp and effective for patient care. Maintaining sharp instruments not only improves patient comfort but also contributes to the success of various dental procedures. Dental professionals are trained to use these stones effectively and maintain the highest standards of hygiene and safety in their dental practices.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best dental sharpening stones on the market
  

Spyderco Medium Pocket Sharpening Stone for Mobile Sharpening, Dental Implements, Jewelry Making - Made in USA - 305M1

Spyderco

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Spyderco Medium Pocket Sharpening Stone for Mobile Sharpening, Dental Implements, Jewelry Making - Made in USA - 305M1

  • Compact pocket stoner for sharpening
  • Easily cleaned with ordinary kitchen cleanser and a plastic scouring pad
  • Sized for mobile sharpening, dental implements, jewelry making, smithing and crafting
  • Does not include carry case
  • Made in USA

User questions & answers

Question: What are the dimensions of this stone
Answer: About 3"x 1"x 1/2"

Hu-Friedy SS6 5S/6S I-Stone, Wedge Shape, Medium Grit

Hu-Friedy

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Wedge Shaped India Sharpening Stone, Medium Grit, combines flat surfaces with rounded edges for sharpening straight and curved edges.

Manufacturer Contact Information

1-800-483-7433

User questions & answers

Question: Do you use oil with this stone
Answer: You can use oil or just water, neither are required, however for the best results oil or water will produce better results.
Question: Is this a ceramic stone
Answer: No it is not, as stated in the description it is an "I" stone (India), the ceramic stones from this manufacturer are SS3C, SSDGRIT, SSMS22, and a kit with all 3 SSKITC.

Raise Products Dental Instrument Flat Arkansas Sharpening Stone (4” x 1” x 0.25”) | Fine Grit | Dentist Tool Sharpening | Sterile | Portable

YDL

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Hard synthetic Arkansas dental instrument sharpening stone in medium grit

 Brand new with a rectangle shape 4" x 1" x 1/4"

One of the standard choices for dental instrument routine sharpening procedures

 Improves functionality of the instrument

 Reduce operator's hand and wrist fatigue

Minimize patient discomfort and  Improve tactile sensitivity

It is individually packed in a sturdy, reusable, clear plastic pouch.

 **** Use water for lubrication or may be used dry. ****

  • Double side professional dental instrument flat Arkansas sharpening stone, fine grit
  • Longest lasting and most durable sharpening tools available
  • Stone Color: White
  • Stone Type: Hard Arkansas

User questions & answers

Question: Is this item easy to use to sharpen tooth scaler
Answer: It wasn’t difficult to use, but it isn’t a good stone. It doesn’t make a smooth, sharp edge on a dental instrument.

Raise Products Dental Instrument Ceramic Sharpening Stone (3” x 1.25” x 0.25”) | Medium Grit | Dentist Tool Sharpening | Sterile | Portable

YDL

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Hard synthetic ceramic dental instrument sharpening stone in medium grit

 Brand new with a rectangle shape 3" x 1 1/4" x 1/4"

One of the standard choices for dental instrument routine sharpening procedures

 Improves functionality of the instrument

 Reduce operator's hand and wrist fatigue

Minimize patient discomfort and  Improve tactile sensitivity

It is individually packed in a sturdy, reusable, clear plastic pouch.

 **** Use water for lubrication or may be used dry. ****

  • Double side professional dental instrument ceramic sharpening stone, medium grit

Dental Instrument Sharpening Kit Arkansas Stone Set HU FRIEDY USA

HU FRIEDY

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Instrument Sharpening Kit includes a #4 Flat Arkansas Stone, a #299 Conical Arkansas Stone, Plastic Test Sticks , Sharpen-EZ Stone Oil, and a Magnifying Lens.

BOLT Ceramic Sharpening Stone 3" x 1 1/4" x 1/4" Medium Grit

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Individually packed, high-quality sharpening stones with medium grit to sharpen knives, dental instruments, and other sharp tools.

  • High-quality medium grit sharpening stone
  • For the routine sharpening of knives, dental instruments, sharp tools
  • Individually packed in clear plastic pouch

SHARPAL 113N Credit Card Size Diamond Sharpening Stone, Pocket Diamond Knife and Tool Sharpener (Coarse 325 Grit)

SHARPAL

Based on 590 reviews Check latest price
  • Ring grip holding to protect hands from hurting when sharpen
  • Mirror polished finish on rear side for emergency signaling
  • Compact & pocketable credit card size
  • Ideal for sharpening knives, small edged and pointed tools including carbide and high speed steel tools
  • Sharpen dry. No messy oil needed. Each with storage pouch

User questions & answers

Question: What is the difference between the three diamond stones
Answer: 3 different grits: * Coarse 325 grit (45 micron)-Quick sharpening the dull & damaged blade or reset the edge on your knife blade or tool. * Fine 600 grit (25 micron) for a sharp edge. It is for everyday sharpening. * Extra fine 1200 grit (9 micron) for honing. Polish an edge to a razor sharp finish.
Question: Would these be appropriate for sharpening a buttonhole maker for leather
Answer: Yes. As it is made of industrial monocrystalline diamonds, which are the hardest sharpening abrasives, it can sharpen / hone edged tools made of hard material including carbide, high speed steel, ceramic and most of other super hard material.

Product features

SHARPAL Diamond Sharpener-the fastest and most effective way to sharpen an edge!

There is a ‘break-in’ period for diamond sharpeners. When first use, the surface will appear to be especially rough. This roughness is due to the final manufacturing process and will be removed over time without impacting performance. As the diamond surface wears down, more and more diamond grits are exposed and the sharpener cuts faster.

Patent Pending Ring Grip

Ring grip holding to protect hands from hurting when sharpen

Credit Card Size

It measures L 3 1/4-inch x W 2 1/8-inch x D .14-inch. and it weighs only 2.2 ounce.

Storage Pouch

Each with storage pouch for easy carrying.

Stainless Steel Body

Durable stainless steel construction for years of dependable use.

Straight Knife Edge (Including Ceramic Knife)

  • Pocket Knives
  • Hunting Knives
  • Fillet Knives
  • Tactical Knives
  • Chef’s Knives

Camp and Garden Tools

  • Axe
  • Hatchet
  • Machete
  • Mower Blade
  • Spade
  • Shears

Fishhooks

Varied size of hooks

Other Edged Tools and Pointed Tools

  • Chisels
  • Router Bit
  • Drills
  • Carbide, high speed steel, titanium, ceramics and most of super hard material

CWINDY 1000/6000 Grit Sharpening Stone Whetstones Knife Sharpening Stones Waterstones Wetstones Wet Stones Knife Sharpener Stones Angle Guide, Bamboo Base and Fix Stone Included

CWINDY

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • ✅The CWINDY whetstone is made of premium white corundum. It has excellent features of self-sharpening. To guarantee the quality, it goes through 17 processes and 3 inspections.
  • ✅The complete kit comes with one double-sided (#1000/ #6000) premium quality whetstone, one non-slip bamboo base, one knife sharpening angle guide, one fix stone, and a manual.
  • ✅The low grit side is for refining the dull edge; the high grit is for polishing the edge. Don't throw away your dull knives. If you follow the instruction, you will be surprised.
  • ✅Suitable for almost all kinds of knives, straight razors, precision tools, planer tools, and chisels, except for serrated blades and ceramic knives. This will be a perfect gift for your family & friends.
  • ✅This high-quality sharpening-stone costs much less. Place the order without risk. If you're not satisfied with the sharpening stone, just contact us for a hassle-free full refund.

User questions & answers

Question: Is this stone works for dental instruments such as enamel hatchet instrument
Answer: I use to smooth the stone after most uses. It works great and is a handy item to have.
Question: I feel like this is a dumb question, but would this stone be suitable for sharpening chisels and plane irons
Answer: Many electric sharpeners do a good job. The big problem is they tend to remove much more metal than a good stone. If you have expensive knives, use the stones.
Question: Where is it made
Answer: Yes it can sharpen both. For curved shears I recommend you detach the shears and work on smaller areas of shears gradually, since its curved it would be difficult to maintain sharpening angle if you attempt to sharpen whole blade in one go.
Question: I want to give this as a gift. Is the e-book available in print? Thank You
Answer: China

Product features

Affordable and High-quality Knife Sharpening Stone Kit!

  1. Our CWINDY sharpening stone set is made of premium quality aluminum oxide which is imported from Japan. We use Japanese production technology, so we export our product back to Japan as well.
  2. It is baked at a temperature of 1000+ Celsius in an industrial oven, shaped under 200 TONS of pressure, and then air-dried for high density and long durability.

STEP1:

Soak the sharpening stone in water for 5-10 minutes, then place it on a sturdy flat surface. To make sure the sharpening stone even, use the fix stone to flat the surface if it is necessary.

STEP2:For sharpening left side of knife

Hold the knife handle with your right hand to maintain the proper angle of the blade. Place 2 or 3 fingers of your left hand on the blade close to the cutting edge, then press the edge of the blade to the stone. When you push knife back forward, exert even pressure on the knife. Release the pressure when you move forwards. Make sure the blade touches the surface of the sharpening stone.

Step 3: For sharpening right side of knife

Once you feel the burr or the blade slightly curling over to the opposite side, switch to the right side. Be very cautious when touching any blade against your skin. Go through the same process. Once you finish polishing your blade, then add a couple of nice and simple strokes on both sides of the blade to refine the entire surface.

Step 4:

When looking directly at the blade, you should see a blade line. If you still see a reflection on the edge of the blade, your blade is not completely sharpened. Repeat the steps.

SE 7-Piece Sharpening Stone Set - SS129

SE

Based on 334 reviews Check latest price

Product description

SE is proud to present our 7-Piece Sharpening Stone Set. Our set offers a variety of shapes, making it easy to find the perfect angle for your sharpening needs.

Features of our 7-Piece Sharpening Stone Set include:

3 green silicone carbide stones

-Grit: 180

-5/8" x 6" square

-1/2" x 6" rectangle

-5/8" x 6" half circle

2 pink iron oxide stones

-Grit: 180

-1/2" x 6" circle

-1/2" x 6" triangle

2 brown aluminum oxide stones

-Grit: 150

-9/16" x 6" square

-3/4" x 6" knife

Important:

Avoid getting counterfeit items. Genuine SE products come with our SE logo on the packaging.

SE is committed to providing the customer with the best source for value possible on the market. You will enjoy the quality, function and usefulness this SE SS129 7-Piece Sharpening Stone Set has to offer.

SE is a registered trademark protected by US Trademark Law.

 

  • Green silicone carbide stones, pink iron oxide stones, brown aluminum oxide stones
  • Variety of shapes: circle, half circle, knife, rectangle, square, and triangle
  • All stones are approximately 6" long
  • Grits: 150 and 180
  • Great for sharpening blades, gravers, hooks, knives, and scissors

User questions & answers

Question: Would they work to take spurs off of cut stained glass pieces
Answer: Maybe, but suggest using diamond for glass
Question: Can i use these as slip stones or do i need a finer stone
Answer: I would suggest finer stone
Question: are these a sluffing off type or hard stone
Answer: They are solid Stone. But, they are kind of soft even on the hardest ones.
Question: Hello. Do these need to be soaked in oil -or- water
Answer: Water. I am a professional knife sharpener and always use water with all stones.

Product features

Sharpening stone set

SE is proud to present our 7-Piece Sharpening Stone Set. Our set offers a variety of shapes, making it easy to find the perfect angle for your sharpening needs. In addition to a choice of shapes, several types of stone and two different grits (180 and 150) allow you to make sure you have right tool for the job. Perfect for sharpening blades, gravers, hooks, knives, scissors, and more, this sharpener set is all you need to keep your tools in proper working order.

Variety of Stones:

With 3 Green silicon carbide stones, 2 pink iron oxide stones, and 2 brown aluminum oxide stones, the ideal stone for your needs will be right at hand

Variety of Shapes:

A variety of choices in the shapes of your stone enable you to make the right choice for whatever kind of tool you need sharpened, whether it is a circle, half circle, knife, rectangle, square, or triangle

Perfect Length:

All stones are approximately 6" long, providing you plenty of sharpening surface with room left over to have a proper grip on the sharpener

Bora 501060 8" Fine/Coarse Combination Sharpening Store Aluminum Oxide Two Sided Stone For Sharpening Knives, Woodworking Tools & Many Others

Based on 173 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The BORA 8-Inch extra hard aluminum oxide sharpening stone is a double sided stone with one coarse grit side (120 grit) and one fine grit side (240 grit). Intended to remove small nicks and finish sharpening of all types of edged tools, camping knives, kitchen scissors, and carpentry chisels. The size is ideal for bench work and a convenient traveling stone should you need it on-site or in your camping kit. This stone uses oil as a lubricant however water also works equally well. When using water immerse the stone for 1 to 3 minutes to allow the stone to soak up enough water. If used over a longer period you may need to add water to the stone to refresh. When using oil, apply a light grade machine oil on the surface occasionally during use to flush away abraded material and aid the lubrication process needed to create a cutting action on the item being sharpened.

  • The coarse 120 grit lighter side is for initial sharpening or removing small nicks and the finer 240 grit dark side is for final honing or touchups
  • Ideal size for bench work
  • Measures 8" x 2" x 1" (203 mm x 50mm x 25mm)
  • Use water or oil as a lubricant
  • Intended for sharpening all types of tools and knives

User questions & answers

Question: Has anyone tried using vegetable oil on the stone? Seems readily available in any kitchen, and easy cleanup
Answer: Best to use mineral oil, as it will not turn rancid like vegetable oil can, and it's inexpensive and easily available. Its also good for the wood handles on many knives. Petroleum oil is too efficient of a lubricant, so it reduces a stone's ability to remove metal from the blade. Use only oil on oil stones and water on water stones.
Question: Can i just use plain water instead of sharping oil
Answer: Water is fine. Just soak it for half hour before you use it.
Question: Can you use for dog clipper blades
Answer: I would think you would need more of a file because of blade constraints on clippers however if you can the angle across the blade it has both course and fine grain and is best used with knives of most any metal including stainless steel.
Question: Is the coarse side the brown or gray side
Answer: Grey side.

Product features

Bora 501060 8" Fine/Coarse Combination Sharpening Store Aluminum Oxide Two Sided

The Bora 8-Inch extra hard aluminum oxide sharpening stone is a double sided stone with one coarse grit side (120 grit) and one fine grit side (240 grit). Intended to remove small nicks and finish sharpening of all types of edged tools, camping knives, kitchen scissors, and carpentry chisels. The size is ideal for bench work and a convenient traveling stone should you need it on-site or in your camping kit. This stone uses oil as a lubricant however water also works equally well. When using water immerse the stone for 1 to 3 minutes to allow the stone to soak up enough water. If used over a longer period you may need to add water to the stone to refresh. When using oil, apply a light grade machine oil on the surface occasionally during use to flush away abraded material and aid the lubrication process needed to create a cutting action on the item being sharpened.

Perfect size

Ideal size for bench work.

Coarse side

The coarse 120 grit lighter side is for initial sharpening or removing small nicks and the finer 240 grit dark side is for final honing or touch ups.

Fine side

The fine 240 grit light side is for final honing or touchups.

2-sided

8 inch Fine/Coarse Combination Sharpening Store Aluminum Oxide two sided stone for sharpening knives, woodworking tools and other edge tools.

Bora 6-Inch Green Silicon Oxide Sharpening Stone. 2 Sided Fine/Course for Sharpening

Bora

Based on 90 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Keep your chisels, knives, and other edge tools at their sharpest with the Bora 6-Inch Green Silicon Sharpening Stone. This double-sided green silicon sharpening stone makes it easy to ensure your woodworking tools perform their best. The coarse side helps you get rid of nicks and other imperfections; then you can hone your blade on the fine side. Its 6-inch length makes this sharpening stone ideal for bench work. If using oil as lubricant, apply oil to surface of stone and begin working. Apply oil on surface occasionally during use to flush away abraded material. If using water as a lubricant, soak stone 15-30 mins prior to use. Continue to use water to lubricate stone.

From the Manufacturer

This stone uses oil as a lubricant. Immerse the stone for 1 minute to fill it and apply oil on the surface occasionally during use to flush away abraded material.

  • 2 Sided - coarse grit and fine grit
  • Ideal size for bench work
  • Measures 6" x 2" x 1"
  • Intended for sharpening all types of tools and knives
  • 1 year warranty
  • Can use oil or water as a lubricant with this stone

User questions & answers

Question: You guys have your description all backwards. Misspelled words and the 240 and 320 mixed up in description
Answer: You can use any media to sharpen any blade, if you're patient enough. A stream of water could put an edge on hardened steel, although it might be your great-grandchildren who get to enjoy the use of that sharp edge. Sharpening is the removal of steel by abrasion, so the rougher or coarser-grained the sharpener, the more steel it removes and the faster it sharpens; conversely, the smoother or finer-grained the sharpener, the less steel is abraded off, and the slower a keen edge is formed. The hard black AR stone is an extremely fine sharpening medium--one of the finest available, actually--so obviously it sharpens very, very slowly. The question that naturally comes up is: why bother with a fine sharpener when a coarse one will do the job faster? The answer is, sometimes you shouldn't bother. With some blades, like axes or other heavier tools, it doesn't matter one bit--as soon as you can feel the sharp edge on it, it's ready to use. But this isn't the case with every blade. For example, I use my black stone on certain varieties of high-hardness, stainless steel knife blades as a finishing stone, and it brings the blades' edges to a mirror finish. Besides the aesthetic benefit, if you were to compare them under a microscope, the cutting edge of the knife sharpened with a fine stone like the hard black AR would be seen to be much thinner than the cutting edge of the axe that was sharpened only with a coarser stone. The thinner edge will be much more efficient at penetrating whatever is being cut; in other words, the thinner, more refined cutting edge created by the finer stone will get a blade sharper. The potential downside of that sharper blade edge is that being thinner, it will be more susceptible to serious damage like chips or rolls; and also to less immediately problematic, but still undesirable damage, like microscopic-sized chips and flakes along the cutting edge. These tiny chips and notches in the edge of a blade are normal and unavoidable when a blade is used, not matter how soft the material being cut, but it's none the less a good idea to minimize them as much as possible, because they're what make a blade's edge eventually feel dull, and cut less efficiently. So the question of whether or not the hard black AR stone can be used on shears is actually the question: do you want the shear's cutting edge to have a thinner, sharper cutting edge that will be susceptible to dulling; or do you want the cutting edge to be thicker and coarser, but more resilient to damage and therefore able to avoid dulling as quickly. I don't know what sort of steel the shears are made of, nor exactly the manner they're used (obviously I understand they snip closed and cut hair, but I've never personally used hair shears, so I don't know about tje day-to-day stresses on them), but I can answer the question generally. If an edge is going to be subject to a great deal of hard use, or frequent impacts--like hitting a bone or staple while trying to slice through meat or cardboard--or if the blade is made from relatively soft steel, like, say, an axe or machete, then a fine edge such as this stone would impart to a blade is not ideal. Save your money and skip it. On the other hand, if the steel is relatively hard, such as is found on most modern pocket knives, and is going to be used mainly for cutting without excessive impact or lateral torque, then the finer the cutting edge the more efficient the blade will be. Spend a bit of money on this stone, or another equivalent very fine stone, and get the edge razor sharp.

AccuSharp 3-Inch Natural Arkansas Pocket Sharpening Stone with Pouch, Knife Sharpener, Tool Sharpening, Pocket Sized

AccuSharp

Based on 142 reviews Check latest price

Product description

3" x 1" x 1/4". Hook groove for all varieties of hooks. Black belt pouch. Hang packaged. Crafted from the highest quality materials. Built for performance and durability. Made in United States

  • Offers traditional sharpening for all kinds of straight-bladed knives and other tools
  • Compact at 3" with carrying pouch making it ideal for pocket carry.
  • Aggressive cutting feature can sharpen all types of steel.
  • Comes equipped with a groove to sharpen all varieties of hooks and darts
  • Proudly Made in the USA

User questions & answers

Question: what is the grit? coarse, medium, fine for honing
Answer: well I would say not fine for honing, but not gritty like medium. But the stone has a lot of impurities. For small items do not get it, for knifes etc. its OK.
Question: What is the grit size
Answer: They are double sided. One side fine grit ( like 500) the other side medium grit( like 200)
Question: I see a 1 pack is 5 bucks, while a 2 pack is 33 and a 3 pack is just over 50, so what's the deal
Answer: I'm assuming it is by different sellers as the single is eligible for free shipping with total $25 plus purchase but the others are not. You need to be very careful about pricing on Amazon as those items not directly sold by Amazon can vary greatly in price and shipping fees. In this case buy two or more single items if you need them.
Question: Do you need to use honing oil or can I use just water with this sharpener
Answer: No

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