How to Use a Work Sharp Benchstone Knife Sharpener
By Toor Knives | Published: 2026-10-23
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to sharpen your fixed blade or folding knife with the Work Sharp Benchstone. Step-by-step instructions for a consistent, safe edge.
Quick answer
The Work Sharp Benchstone Knife Sharpener uses a Pivot-Response base and Tri-Brasive stone to restore a sharp edge quickly. Follow the angle guide and consistent strokes for best results on both fixed blade and folding knives.
Why the Benchstone works for both fixed and folding knives
The patented Pivot-Response base lets the abrasive follow the curve of the blade, which is especially useful for folding knives with belly shapes and fixed blades with longer profiles. The Tri-Brasive stone covers coarse, medium, and fine grits in one tool, so you don't need to switch stones between steps.
One trade-off: the integrated angle guide is fixed, so you cannot adjust the sharpening angle. This is fine for most EDC and outdoor knives, but if you need a specific acute angle for specialized blades, a freehand stone or adjustable system may be better.
How to sharpen with the Work Sharp Benchstone
- Prepare the stone and blade: Place the Benchstone on a flat, stable surface. Clean your knife blade to remove any dirt or oil. For a folding knife, open and lock the blade securely. For a fixed blade, ensure the handle is dry and grippy. Common mistake: sharpening a dirty blade can clog the stone and scratch the edge.
- Set the angle guide: Rest the blade's spine against the integrated angle guide. The guide sets a consistent angle for each stroke. Hold the knife so the edge contacts the Tri-Brasive stone at the correct angle. Checkpoint: keep the spine touching the guide throughout the stroke to maintain the angle.
- Start with the coarse grit side: Begin with the coarse grit side of the Tri-Brasive stone. Apply light pressure and push the blade away from you along the stone, from heel to tip. Use 5–10 strokes per side, then switch to the other side. Common mistake: pressing too hard can round the edge or remove too much metal.
- Move to medium and fine grits: Flip the stone to the medium grit and repeat the same stroke pattern, 5–10 strokes per side. Finish with the fine grit for a polished edge. Each grit refines the burr left by the previous step. Checkpoint: wipe the blade between grits to see the scratch pattern and avoid cross-contamination.
- Test the edge and clean up: Carefully test the edge on a piece of paper or a tomato. If it catches cleanly, you are done. Rinse the stone with water and dry it. Wipe the blade with a clean cloth and apply a light oil if desired. Common mistake: testing on your finger can cause cuts—always use a safe test medium.
Product used in this guide
- Work Sharp Benchstone™ Knife Sharpener: The Tri-Brasive stone restores a sharp edge quickly and the Pivot-Response base ensures the abrasive follows the curve of the blade. You get a consistent edge along the entire blade without having to adjust your stroke angle manually.
Work Sharp Benchstone™ Knife Sharpener
