BPS Knives Sharpening Set 2 Stones Review

True Results from the BPS Knives Sharpening Set 2 Stones

As someone who has spent over a decade coaxing edge retention out of everything from precision instruments in the lab to my trusty workshop chisel set, I’m always on the lookout for effective sharpening solutions. My most recent pursuit was a compact, no-nonsense sharpening kit for a collection of EDC and utility knives that were starting to show signs of wear. The BPS Knives Sharpening Set 2 Stones caught my eye as a potentially solid option, promising essential grit levels and a way to finish the edge, all at a reasonable price point. My immediate impression upon receiving the package was one of practical utility; the stones themselves felt solid, and the inclusion of a strop and compound indicated a comprehensive approach to edge refinement. I had briefly considered a diamond plate system, but the desire for a more traditional, tactile sharpening experience led me to this particular set. The initial unboxing offered a sense of quiet satisfaction, a feeling that I had acquired a tool ready to restore sharpness without unnecessary fuss.

Real-World Testing: Putting BPS Knives Sharpening Set 2 Stones to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of this sharpening set took place on my workbench, under good lighting, with a few well-used utility knives that had lost their keen edge. I started with the 240 grit stone to establish a fresh bevel on a stubborn German steel blade that had resisted previous attempts at re-sharpening. The stone provided a good bite, quickly removing metal and reforming the edge. Subsequently, I moved to the 800 grit stone to refine the scratch pattern and prepare the edge for the final polishing. The transition between grits felt natural, and the stones handled the moderate pressure I applied without issue.

I then proceeded to the leather strop, applying a small amount of the 5-3 polishing compound. Stropping the blades, I could feel a distinct difference as the burr was further refined and the edge began to gleam under the shop lights. The overall process was straightforward, requiring no special preparation beyond a little water to keep the stones lubricated. There were no immediate surprises or quirks; the set performed precisely as one would expect from a basic, functional sharpening system.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the past several weeks, this BPS Knives sharpening set has become a regular fixture on my workbench. I’ve used it to maintain the edges on a variety of knives, from small craft blades used for intricate model building to thicker, more robust utility knives employed in light workshop tasks. The 240 grit stone continues to be effective for setting a new edge or repairing minor damage, proving its worth for those times when a knife has truly dulled. The 800 grit stone effectively smooths out the aggressive abrasions from the coarser stone, leaving a sufficiently sharp edge for most daily tasks.

The leather strop and polishing compound have been instrumental in bringing blades to a truly hair-splitting finish, particularly useful for knives where a polished edge is beneficial for clean cuts. I’ve found that after multiple sharpening sessions, the stones show minimal signs of dishing, a testament to their density. Cleaning the stones involves a simple rinse under running water, and the strop requires minimal care beyond occasional conditioning. Compared to some of the cheaper, unbound grit stones I’ve used in the past, this set demonstrates superior durability and consistent performance. There are no signs of cracking or significant wear, even after I accidentally dropped the strop onto the concrete floor once – it remained perfectly intact.

Breaking Down the Features of BPS Knives Sharpening Set 2 Stones

Specifications

The BPS Knives Sharpening Set 2 Stones is designed to provide a fundamental sharpening system for a variety of bladed tools. The primary components are two sharpening stones, each measuring 6.25″ x 2.38″. One stone offers a coarser grit of 240, intended for establishing or repairing an edge, while the other is a finer 800 grit stone, used for refining and sharpening. Accompanying these stones is a leather strop, a crucial element for achieving a polished, razor-sharp finish.

The set also includes 5-3 polishing compound, which works in conjunction with the strop to remove any remaining microscopic burrs and create an incredibly smooth edge. All these components are neatly organized within a nylon case, making the entire set portable and easy to store. This combination of grit levels and the finishing strop provides a complete sharpening solution that is both effective and manageable for everyday use. The dimensions of 6.25″ x 2.38″ for the stones are a practical size, offering enough surface area for effective sharpening without being overly cumbersome.

Performance & Functionality

The core job of this BPS Knives Sharpening Set 2 Stones is to bring a dull knife back to a functional, and ideally, a keen edge. The 240 grit stone performs admirably in its role of setting a bevel and removing material quickly. I found it capable of re-profiling even moderately damaged edges with a reasonable amount of effort. Moving to the 800 grit stone, the sharpening process becomes more about refinement. This stone successfully refines the edge left by the coarser grit, producing a noticeable improvement in sharpness and a smoother feel.

The true magic happens with the leather strop and polishing compound. This combination is key to achieving that ultimate, hair-popping sharpness. After a few passes on the strop, even edges that felt “sharp enough” from the 800 grit stone became significantly keener, slicing through paper with ease and demonstrating a marked improvement in cutting performance. The only slight weakness might be the absence of an even finer grit stone for those seeking an extremely polished, almost mirror-like edge, but for most practical applications, this set exceeds expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

In terms of design, the BPS Knives Sharpening Set 2 Stones leans heavily towards functionality over aesthetics. The stones themselves have a dense, uniform appearance, and they feel substantial in the hand, suggesting good material quality. The leather strop is a good weight, and the leather surface appears to be of decent quality for its intended purpose. The nylon case is a practical choice, offering decent protection and a secure way to transport the components.

Ergonomically, the 6.25″ x 2.38″ dimensions of the stones are well-suited for maintaining a variety of knife sizes. They provide enough surface area to work with without feeling unwieldy. While the stones are abrasive, the case offers a way to keep your hands clean. There’s a slight learning curve in getting the angle consistent, especially for those new to bench stones, but the size and shape make it manageable. The polishing compound comes in a solid form, which is convenient for application to the strop.

Durability & Maintenance

From my experience, the BPS Knives Sharpening Set 2 Stones appears to be built for longevity in its intended use. The stones, despite their abrasive nature, show minimal signs of wear after considerable use, with no discernible dishing or crumbling. This suggests a well-bonded grit structure. The leather strop is robust, and the polishing compound, while it will eventually wear down, is used sparingly and should last for a considerable time.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple; after sharpening, a quick rinse under tap water is usually sufficient to remove swarf from the stones. Allowing them to air dry completely before storing them in the nylon case is recommended to prevent any potential mildew. The strop requires very little maintenance beyond the occasional application of compound, and perhaps a light conditioning if it starts to feel dry. There are no obvious failure points; the weakest links are likely the grit stones themselves, which will eventually wear down over many years of heavy use, but they are replaceable.

Accessories and Customization Options

The BPS Knives Sharpening Set 2 Stones comes with a thoughtfully curated selection of essential accessories for edge maintenance. The inclusion of both a 240 grit stone and an 800 grit stone covers the foundational sharpening needs, from repairing damaged edges to bringing a dull blade back to life. The leather strop and the accompanying 5-3 polishing compound are the critical finishing elements, allowing for the refinement of the edge to a high degree of sharpness.

While this set is designed to be a complete solution out-of-the-box, there are no real “customization options” for the set itself. However, its components are standard sizes, meaning the stones could theoretically be replaced with other similarly sized stones if a user desired different grit configurations. The nylon case provides basic storage and portability, but it doesn’t offer specific slots for additional stones or jigs, suggesting it’s intended for the included components.

Pros and Cons of BPS Knives Sharpening Set 2 Stones

Who Should Buy BPS Knives Sharpening Set 2 Stones?

This sharpening set is an ideal choice for the home hobbyist, DIY enthusiast, or anyone with a collection of utility or EDC knives that require regular edge maintenance. It’s perfect for individuals who appreciate the tactile feedback of traditional sharpening methods and want a straightforward system that gets the job done without unnecessary complexity. If you are a craftsman, woodworker, or someone who uses knives daily for various tasks, this set will reliably restore and maintain their cutting ability.

However, those who require ultra-fine, surgical-level polishing might find the 800 grit stone insufficient as a final stage and may need to supplement with finer grit stones or a different sharpening system. Likewise, professional chefs or serious collectors who demand absolute mirror finishes might look elsewhere for higher grit options. For those starting out with knife sharpening, I would recommend considering an angle guide to help maintain consistent angles, especially when first learning. A small bottle of water for lubrication and a rag for wiping are also essential complements.

Conclusion on BPS Knives Sharpening Set 2 Stones

The BPS Knives Sharpening Set 2 Stones offers a remarkably effective and accessible solution for anyone looking to keep their blades sharp. It strikes a great balance between essential functionality and affordability. The combination of the 240 and 800 grit stones provides the necessary stages for re-edging and sharpening, while the inclusion of the leather strop and polishing compound ensures that a truly keen, functional edge can be achieved. For its price point of $43.99, the value proposition is exceptionally strong, delivering a complete system that punches above its weight.

I would confidently recommend this sharpening set to anyone who uses knives regularly and wants to maintain them properly without a significant financial outlay or steep learning curve. It’s a practical, durable, and effective tool that fills a clear need for reliable edge maintenance. If your aim is to have sharp knives for everyday tasks, workshop use, or general utility, this BPS Knives set is an excellent and highly sensible purchase.