8″ Double Sided Diamond Benchstone, 3 Grade Options

Why does my new diamond sharpening stone feel aggressive at first?

A brand new diamond sharpening stone can feel harsher than expected, even on finer grits — this is perfectly normal. A small number of diamond particles sit marginally higher on the surface during manufacturing. These are gradually dislodged through your first few sharpening sessions, which can give the impression the stone is cutting more aggressively than its rated grit.

As this short break-in period completes, the surface settles into a stable, consistent cutting feel. Your stone is simply finding its working state.

There are scratch marks appearing on the fine side — should I be concerned?

In nearly every case, the cause is cross-grit contamination. When a blade is transferred from the coarse side to the fine side without being wiped down, stray abrasive particles can carry over and leave light marks on the finer surface.

These marks are purely cosmetic and won’t affect how the stone performs or how long it lasts. Wiping the blade clean before changing grits will prevent this from occurring.

What’s behind the 10-year guarantee on your double sided stones?

These stones are designed with longevity in mind — built to be repaired, not replaced.

Diamond wear happens only at the outer working layer. Rather than replacing the whole stone, the diamond plate itself can be swapped out when it eventually reaches the end of its service life. Replacement plates are provided at no cost, complete with fitting instructions. The process is simple and usually takes no more than half an hour.

Durability is an intentional part of the design, not a happy accident.

Will applying more pressure speed up sharpening?

No. Increased downward force does not improve cutting performance — it raises the likelihood of dislodging abrasive particles from the plate.

Diamond sharpening relies on surface contact, not pressure. Keeping your touch light and consistent will give you better results and help your plates last longer.

How flat are the sharpening stone surfaces?

Every double sided stone leaves production having been checked to a flatness tolerance of ±0.00175″ (±0.045 mm), measured diagonally across the working surface. For context, that margin is roughly half the width of a human hair.

Is it worth cleaning the stone during a sharpening session?

Absolutely, especially in longer sessions or when progressing through both grits. Removed steel particles mix with lubricant to create swarf, which builds up over time and gradually slows cutting performance.

Running the cleaning block across a dry plate takes only moments and quickly restores the surface. Keeping on top of this throughout your session makes for noticeably more consistent results.

Is lubrication necessary, or can I use the stone dry?

Dry use is possible, but lubrication makes a meaningful difference to performance. A low-viscosity lapping fluid keeps swarf moving, prevents the surface from clogging, and helps maintain a steady cutting rate while reducing wear on the plate.

Water is a solid option but requires the stone to be thoroughly dried afterward. Oil tends to be too thick and can actually hinder cutting efficiency.

Use MPOWER’s Fully Synthetic Lapping Fluid

M.POWER’s synthetic lapping fluid is purpose-built for this application, offering an optimal balance of flow, cutting rate, corrosion protection, and surface cleanliness. Free from mineral oils, sulfur, chlorine, phenol, and nitrates, it’s gentler on skin and better for your tools and plates over the long term.

Can I use this stone to sharpen ceramic blades?

Yes, without issue. Diamond is harder than ceramic, so these stones handle ceramic knife sharpening with ease.