Sharpening knives with sandpaper is a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional sharpening stones. Sandpaper is versatile, easy to find, and offers different grit levels to achieve razor-sharp edges.
Whether you’re looking for a quick edge touch-up or a full blade restoration, here’s everything you need to know about choosing and using the best sandpaper for sharpening knives.
Best Sandpaper for Sharpening Knives Reviews
1. Verones Sandpaper, 90 Pcs 400 to 3000 Grit Wet Dry Sandpaper (Best brand sandpaper for sharpening knives)
The VERONES 90-piece wet and dry sandpaper assortment is a comprehensive set of high-quality sandpaper sheets ranging from 400 to 3000 grit. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to sharpen knives, perform automotive sanding, or work on furniture finishing. With 9×3.6 inch sheets, this assortment covers all your sharpening and polishing needs with a focus on versatility and durability.
Key Features:
- Grit Range: 400 to 3000 grit, providing flexibility for heavy-duty sharpening and fine polishing.
- Wet/Dry Use: Can be used with water, lubricating the sharpening process to prevent clogging and overheating.
- Durable Material: Made from high-quality silicon carbide, ensuring a long lifespan for the sheets.
- Versatile Applications: Ideal for knife sharpening, automotive sanding, furniture finishing, and wood turning.
Pros:
- Wide Grit Range: Offers flexibility for various stages of sharpening, from reshaping the blade to achieving a razor-sharp finish.
- High Durability: The silicon carbide construction holds up well even under heavy use, making the set last longer.
- Great Value: With 90 sheets included, this pack provides excellent value for both beginners and professionals.
- Easy to Use: The wet/dry functionality adds versatility, making the sharpening process smoother and reducing heat build-up.
Cons:
- Size Limitations: The 9×3.6 inch sheets may require cutting or adjustments for smaller, more precise sharpening surfaces.
- No Backing Adhesive: The sheets do not have an adhesive back, so you may need to manually secure them during use.
The VERONES 90 Pcs Wet Dry Sandpaper Assortment is the best brand for sharpening knives due to its durability, range of grits, and wet/dry functionality.
This sandpaper set offers an affordable, high-quality solution for maintaining sharp knife edges, with the added versatility of being useful for other projects like furniture finishing and automotive sanding. While the sheet size may require some trimming for more precise tasks, the overall value and performance make this an excellent choice for all skill levels.
2. Keama Sandpaper, Premium Wet Dry Waterproof Sand Paper (Best sandpaper for sharpening jointer knives)
The Atosun Premium Wet Dry Sandpaper set offers 45 pieces of waterproof sanding paper with grit ranging from 120 to 5000. This range makes it perfect for a wide array of applications, including wood furniture finishing, metal sanding, and automotive polishing. More specifically, it is an excellent choice for sharpening jointer knives, offering both coarse and fine grit options to meet various sharpening needs.
Key Features:
- Grit Range: 120 to 5000, providing flexibility for coarse sharpening, honing, and fine polishing.
- Wet/Dry Use: The waterproof paper is suitable for both dry sanding and wet sanding, preventing heat buildup and clogging.
- Premium Quality: Made from durable silicon carbide, ensuring long-lasting performance and resistance to wear.
- Versatile Applications: Ideal for sharpening jointer knives as well as other tasks such as wood finishing and automotive polishing.
Pros:
- Comprehensive Grit Range: The wide range from 120 to 5000 grit covers everything from rough reshaping to fine polishing, making it ideal for jointer knife sharpening.
- Waterproof Design: Wet/dry compatibility adds versatility and improves performance during the sharpening process by reducing heat and debris build-up.
- Durable Construction: The silicon carbide material ensures a long lifespan for each sheet, standing up well to heavy-duty sharpening.
- Multi-purpose: In addition to jointer knives, the sandpaper works great for various other tasks such as metal sanding, furniture finishing, and automotive projects.
Cons:
- Sheet Size: The 9 x 3.6-inch sheets may be a bit small for larger projects, requiring more frequent sheet replacements or adjustments.
- Limited Quantity Per Grit: With only a few sheets per grit, the pack may run out quickly if you are working on extensive or repeated sharpening tasks.
The Atosun Premium Wet Dry Waterproof Sandpaper set is a top contender for sharpening jointer knives, offering a broad grit range and durable construction. Its wet/dry capabilities make it particularly well-suited for knife sharpening, preventing overheating and delivering a smooth finish.
While the sheet size may be slightly small for bigger projects, the versatility of the set makes it a valuable tool for anyone needing precision sanding and sharpening. For professionals and hobbyists alike, this set is an excellent addition to your tool kit.
The 3M Wetordry Sandpaper is a versatile and high-quality sandpaper designed for sanding between coats of varnish, lacquer, paint, and other finishes. With its waterproof capabilities, it’s perfect for both wet and dry sanding. The 400 grit makes it an excellent choice for sharpening knives, providing a balance between refining and honing the edges.
Key Features:
- Grit Type: 400 grit, perfect for intermediate sharpening stages or fine-tuning.
- Waterproof: Designed for wet or dry sanding, preventing heat buildup and clogging during knife sharpening.
- Sheet Size: Large 9 x 11-inch sheets for broader coverage, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
- Durability: Made with durable materials to withstand long-term use, even with tough projects like knife sharpening.
Pros:
- Perfect Grit for Knife Sharpening: The 400 grit is ideal for smoothing out and refining knife edges, offering excellent control over sharpening without over-grinding.
- Waterproof Design: Wet sanding reduces heat buildup, which is crucial for maintaining the temper of knives during sharpening.
- Versatile Applications: In addition to sharpening knives, it’s suitable for sanding between coats of varnish, lacquer, and paint, making it a multi-purpose tool in your kit.
- Large Sheets: The 9 x 11-inch size provides a larger surface area for sharpening, making the process more efficient.
Cons:
- Limited Grit Range: As a single grit (400), it’s best suited for intermediate sharpening stages. You may need additional grits for coarser or finer work.
- Quantity: The pack only includes five sheets, which may not last long for regular or heavy use in sharpening knives or other projects.
- Bend Sensitivity: Some users may find the larger sheets prone to bending, requiring extra care in handling.
The 3M Wetordry Sandpaper in 400 grit is an excellent choice for sharpening knives, particularly for honing and refining the blade. Its waterproof capabilities enhance the process by reducing heat and preventing clogging.
Although it is mainly for intermediate sharpening stages, its versatility makes it an essential tool for both knife sharpening and finishing wood or metal surfaces. The large sheet size adds convenience, though more sheets and grit variations might be needed for extensive use. For a reliable and high-quality 3M sandpaper, this product excels in delivering results for precision sharpening.
4. Zuext Sandpaper, Skateboard Grip Tape Sheet (Best sandpaper knife sharpening kit)
The ZUEXT 11″ x 44″ Black Skateboard Grip Tape Sheet is designed primarily for skateboards, scooters, and longboards, but its durable and abrasive surface also makes it a great tool for sharpening knives. With its bubble-free, waterproof design, this large sheet of grip tape can easily be adapted for knife sharpening, providing excellent friction to refine blades.
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 11″ x 44″ sheet, providing ample material for multiple uses.
- Material: Waterproof, high-quality sandpaper texture for durable sharpening applications.
- Design: Bubble-free for a smooth and even surface.
- Multi-Use: Versatile grip tape not only for skateboards but also for sharpening knives and other DIY applications.
Pros:
- Large Surface Area: The 11″ x 44″ sheet offers more than enough material to cut into smaller pieces for various sharpening needs, making it very cost-effective.
- Strong Grit Texture: The coarse grit of the skateboard grip tape provides excellent friction, making it suitable for sharpening dull blades.
- Bubble-Free Application: The bubble-free design ensures a smooth, even surface, which is important for consistent knife sharpening.
- Durable & Waterproof: Its waterproof nature means it can be used for wet sharpening, helping to prevent clogging and heat buildup, essential for maintaining knife temper.
- Multi-Use: Apart from sharpening knives, it can be used for skateboards, scooters, stairs, and wheelchair pedals, making it a versatile addition to your toolkit.
Cons:
- Coarse Grit Only: The grit is quite coarse, which makes it better suited for sharpening very dull or damaged knives. It may not be ideal for fine-tuning or polishing knife edges.
- Requires Custom Cutting: Since this is a skateboard grip tape, you’ll need to cut it to size for knife sharpening, which may take some extra effort.
- Not Specialized for Knives: Though effective for sharpening, it is not a traditional sandpaper made specifically for knife sharpening, so it may not deliver the same level of finesse as dedicated sharpening kits.
The ZUEXT 11″ x 44″ Black Skateboard Grip Tape Sheet is an unconventional but effective option for knife sharpening. Its coarse grit texture is excellent for sharpening dull blades, and the large sheet size allows for versatility in cutting and usage.
While it’s not specifically designed for knife sharpening, its durability, waterproof features, and strong abrasive surface make it a great choice for those looking for an affordable and adaptable solution. However, it may not be ideal for those looking for finer sharpening or polishing.
5. Lanney Sandpaper, 120 to 3000 Girt Sand Paper Assortment Wet Dry Waterproof Abrasive Variety Pack Sanding Paper
The Lanney Sand Paper set offers a comprehensive assortment of 60 sandpaper sheets, ranging from 120 to 3000 grit. This premium wet-dry waterproof abrasive variety is designed for various materials, including wood, metal, plastic, glass, and automotive finishes. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for knife sharpening, providing the necessary grits for both initial sharpening and final polishing.
Key Features:
- Variety of Grits: Includes 60 sheets with grits ranging from 120 to 3000, allowing for all stages of knife sharpening.
- Wet and Dry Use: Suitable for both wet and dry applications, enhancing usability across different sharpening techniques.
- Premium Quality: Made with durable materials that provide consistent and reliable sanding performance.
- Versatile Applications: Effective for sharpening knives as well as polishing surfaces of various materials.
Pros:
- Comprehensive Grit Range: The wide assortment of grits makes it suitable for every step of the sharpening process—from heavy grinding with lower grits to fine polishing with higher grits.
- Durable Construction: The premium materials used in the sandpaper ensure longevity and effectiveness, even with extensive use.
- Waterproof Feature: The ability to use the sandpaper wet helps reduce dust and clogging while cooling the blade, which is crucial for maintaining its integrity.
- Versatile Use: Beyond knife sharpening, the sandpaper can be used for various projects, including woodworking, automotive work, and general polishing tasks.
- Cost-Effective: The pack provides a good number of sheets for the price, offering great value for anyone who frequently sharpens knives or works with different materials.
Cons:
- Limited Availability of Grits in Each Pack: While the assortment is extensive, there may be fewer sheets in higher grits, which can be a drawback for those focusing more on polishing.
- Potential for Wear and Tear: Although durable, the sheets may wear down more quickly when used on tougher materials, necessitating frequent replacements for extensive projects.
- Not Specialized for Knife Sharpening: While effective for sharpening, it’s not marketed specifically for knife use, which may lead some users to prefer dedicated knife sharpening products.
The Lanney Sand Paper assortment is an excellent choice for anyone looking to sharpen knives effectively. With its wide range of grits, durability, and versatility, it caters to both the sharpening novice and the seasoned expert.
The ability to use the sandpaper in wet conditions is an added advantage, helping maintain the quality of the blade while prolonging the life of the sandpaper itself. While it may not be tailored exclusively for knife sharpening, its performance and value make it one of the best options on the market for this purpose.
Why Use Sandpaper for Knife Sharpening?
Sandpaper can offer precision when sharpening knives because of its ability to contour to the knife’s shape. It allows for more control over sharpening angles, especially for irregularly shaped or specialty knives. Sandpaper is also readily available and much more affordable than premium sharpening stones, making it a great alternative for beginners or those on a budget.
Grit Selection: The Key to Success
When choosing sandpaper for sharpening, the grit level is crucial. Lower grits (80-400) are used for removing large nicks or restoring very dull blades, while higher grits (600-2000) are best for refining the edge and polishing.
- Coarse Grit (80-400): Best for damaged or extremely dull knives. This grit helps to reshape the blade and remove any major imperfections. It’s the initial stage in a sharpening routine.
- Medium Grit (600-1000): This grit is perfect for regular sharpening. If your knife is dull but doesn’t have any major nicks, medium grit will restore a functional edge.
- Fine Grit (1200-2000+): Use this grit to refine the blade’s sharpness and polish it to a mirror finish. It’s ideal for achieving a razor-sharp edge and for delicate knives requiring precision.
The Best Sandpaper Types for Knife Sharpening
- Silicon Carbide Sandpaper: Known for its sharp cutting action and durability, silicon carbide is an excellent choice for knife sharpening. It works well on both carbon and stainless steel knives and is efficient at sharpening hard blade materials.
- Aluminum Oxide Sandpaper: This type of sandpaper is more common and works well for general knife sharpening. While not as aggressive as silicon carbide, aluminum oxide still does a good job in honing and maintaining blade edges.
- Wet/Dry Sandpaper: Wet/dry sandpaper is ideal for knife sharpening as it can be used with water to prevent clogging and heat buildup. The lubrication from water helps create a smoother sharpening process, reducing friction and prolonging the life of the sandpaper.
Step-by-Step Guide: Sharpening a Knife with Sandpaper
- Preparation: Gather your sandpaper (in various grits), a flat surface like glass or a piece of wood, and water if using wet/dry sandpaper.
- Attach the Sandpaper: Secure a strip of sandpaper to your flat surface using adhesive or tape to prevent movement during sharpening.
- Sharpen the Knife: Start with the coarsest grit sandpaper. Hold your knife at a consistent angle (around 15-20 degrees for most kitchen knives) and drag it across the sandpaper in smooth, even strokes. Make sure to sharpen both sides of the blade evenly.
- Progress Through Grits: After you’ve worked the blade on the coarse grit, move on to the medium and fine grits. Each stage should refine the edge further, eventually giving you a polished, sharp finish.
- Test the Edge: After finishing with the highest grit, test the sharpness by gently slicing through paper or shaving a small portion of your arm hair. If the blade cuts smoothly, you’re done!
Sandpaper Sharpening vs. Traditional Sharpening Stones
- Cost: Sandpaper is much cheaper than high-quality sharpening stones. A pack of assorted sandpaper sheets can cost less than a single sharpening stone.
- Versatility: Sandpaper can be used on a wider variety of blades, including knives, scissors, and tools with complex edges that might be difficult to sharpen with stones.
- Portability: Sandpaper is lightweight and compact, making it easy to store and transport compared to heavier sharpening stones.
- Longevity: While sandpaper is cheaper, it may wear out faster than sharpening stones, meaning you’ll need to replace it more frequently.
Final Thoughts
Sandpaper is an excellent alternative for knife sharpening, especially if you’re looking for a budget-friendly and accessible option. Its versatility in grit levels allows you to sharpen and polish your knives to perfection.
Whether you’re restoring a heavily worn blade or just touching up an edge, sandpaper offers a simple and effective solution. For best results, invest in high-quality sandpaper, and take your time progressing through the grits to ensure a sharp, durable edge.