Smiths Products 51312 DualGrit Double-Sided Sharpening Stone 6″ Diamond Sharpene Review

Field Test Review of the Smiths Products 51312 DualGrit Double-Sided Sharpening Stone 6″ Diamond Sharpener

For years, I’ve relied on a motley collection of sharpening stones, from gritty Arkansas stones to fine ceramic rods, each with its own niche. Yet, the constant hunt for that perfect edge, sharp enough to shave hair with a whisper, often felt like a Sisyphean task, especially with frequently used workshop tools and my own collection of kitchen knives. This led me to seek a more consistent and user-friendly solution, which eventually pointed me towards diamond abrasives. After much deliberation, I settled on the Smiths Products 51312 DualGrit Double-Sided Sharpening Stone 6″ Diamond Sharpener, hoping it would offer a blend of speed and effectiveness for a variety of edge maintenance needs.

My initial foray into sharpening often involved a steep learning curve, with uneven pressure leading to inconsistent results. This frustration, coupled with the time investment required for traditional stones, spurred my search for something more forgiving and efficient. I’d heard whispers of diamond sharpeners cutting through metal like butter, and the promise of a dual-grit configuration seemed ideal for both quick touch-ups and more serious edge reprofiling. While I briefly considered other brands known for their robust sharpening systems, the compact size and inclusive design of this particular Smiths model caught my eye.

Upon unboxing, my first impression was one of practical efficiency. The stone itself felt solid, with a satisfying heft, and the visible diamond grit spoke of its abrasive potential. The plastic base and lid felt durable, not flimsy, hinting at a design that prioritizes user safety and convenience. It wasn’t the most aesthetically striking piece of equipment, but its utilitarian design suggested it was built for work, which is precisely what I was looking for. The immediate feeling was one of cautious optimism; it promised to simplify a process I often found tedious.

Real-World Testing: Putting Smiths Products 51312 DualGrit Double-Sided Sharpening Stone 6″ Diamond Sharpener to the Test

My testing began right on my workbench in the workshop, a space that sees a constant rotation of tools needing a sharp edge. I first tackled a well-used chisel that had begun to curl and dull after a series of planing tasks. Following the simple instructions, I placed the stone on its base, ensuring the lid was secured underneath to provide a stable, raised platform. The initial passes were surprisingly fast, with the medium grit audibly biting into the steel. It was noticeably quicker than my oil stones and produced a satisfyingly sharp edge with relatively little effort.

Over the following weeks, this dual-grit stone became my go-to for a variety of tasks. I used it on kitchen knives after they’d been through the rigors of daily food prep, and on utility blades that had seen better days. Even after repeated use with different steels, from softer carbon steel to harder stainless alloys, the stone maintained its aggressive cutting action. I did notice a slight reduction in the medium grit’s speed after about a dozen knives, but a quick scrub with a damp cloth and a drop of water brought it right back to its original performance.

Compared to my previous sharpening methods, this diamond stone offered a significant improvement in speed and ease of use. Traditional stones require a good amount of practice to achieve consistent results, and they wear down over time, requiring flattening. This Smiths Products 51312 DualGrit Double-Sided Sharpening Stone 6″ Diamond Sharpener, on the other hand, maintained its flatness and aggressive cutting power with minimal fuss. The only real maintenance required was occasional cleaning, which was a welcome change from the more involved care needed for traditional abrasives.

First Use Experience

My initial testing was on a set of common workshop screwdrivers and a few frequently used utility knife blades that had become frustratingly dull. I set the stone on my workbench, the included plastic base providing a stable platform. The feel of the diamond grit under the steel was immediate and aggressive; it felt like it was removing metal efficiently with every stroke.

The process was remarkably intuitive. There was no need for soaking or messy lubricants, just a quick splash of water and I was ready to go. After just a few passes on each side, the screwdrivers were noticeably sharper, and the utility blades regained a keen edge that made cutting through cardboard significantly easier.

Extended Use & Reliability

After about two months of consistent use, primarily on kitchen knives and woodworking tools, the Smiths Products 51312 DualGrit Double-Sided Sharpening Stone 6″ Diamond Sharpener has held up exceptionally well. I haven’t observed any significant wear or degradation in its sharpening ability. The diamond particles, bonded securely, show no signs of dislodging or becoming dull.

Cleaning is a simple affair; a quick wipe with a damp cloth and perhaps a gentle scrub with a toothbrush is usually enough to remove any metal particles. It stores easily back in its plastic case, protecting the abrasive surfaces from accidental damage or contamination. This ease of maintenance makes it a highly reliable tool for frequent use.

Breaking Down the Features of Smiths Products 51312 DualGrit Double-Sided Sharpening Stone 6″ Diamond Sharpener

This sharpening stone features multiple layers of micron-sized, moncrystalline diamonds. These diamonds are bonded in nickel to a flat metal surface, providing an exceptionally durable and effective abrasive. The stone measures 6″ x 1.75″, a compact size that is manageable for most tasks.

The medium grit side is excellent for establishing a new bevel or quickly repairing a damaged edge. The fine grit side then refines the edge, bringing it to a razor-sharp finish. This dual-grit configuration means you can achieve a polished, keen edge in one compact unit, eliminating the need to switch between multiple stones for basic sharpening tasks.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Smiths
• Fabric/Material: Diamond
• Additional Features: Medium/Fine grit configuration.
• Size: 6″ x 1.75″ diamond sharpening surface.
• Base: Durable plastic base designed to hold the stone securely.
• Lid: Protective plastic lid doubles as a handle extender for enhanced safety during sharpening.

These specifications translate directly into a user-friendly and effective sharpening experience. The diamond abrasive is renowned for its fast cutting action and longevity, meaning this stone will likely last for many years of regular use. The medium/fine grit combination offers versatility, allowing for both repair and refinement of edges. The 6″ x 1.75″ size is a good balance between providing sufficient sharpening surface and being compact enough for easy storage and handling.

Performance & Functionality

In practice, the Smiths Products 51312 DualGrit Double-Sided Sharpening Stone 6″ Diamond Sharpener excels at its primary function: sharpening edges. The medium grit aggressively removes material, allowing for quick work on dull or slightly damaged blades. I found it effective even on harder steels that can be challenging for traditional stones.

The fine grit side then follows up beautifully, creating a surprisingly keen and smooth edge. While it won’t produce the mirror polish of ultra-fine ceramic or stropping compounds, it’s more than adequate for most practical applications, leaving blades sharp and ready for use. It meets and often exceeds expectations for a stone in this price range, offering a noticeable upgrade in performance over basic sharpening steels.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this sharpening stone is all about practicality and safety. The stone itself is firmly bonded to a metal plate, ensuring durability. It rests securely within a plastic base that provides stability on your work surface.

The integrated plastic lid is a clever touch, serving a dual purpose. When not in use, it protects the abrasive surface, keeping it clean and preventing damage. During sharpening, it can be inserted into the bottom of the base, effectively raising the height and creating a safer grip zone for your fingers. This feature significantly reduces the risk of accidental cuts when drawing a blade across the stone.

Durability & Maintenance

The diamond abrasive is inherently durable and resistant to wear, meaning this stone is built to last. Unlike traditional stones that can wear down and require flattening, the diamond surface remains consistent over time. I’ve experienced no loss of abrasive effectiveness, even after sharpening numerous blades.

Maintenance is minimal. A simple rinse with water and a wipe down is usually sufficient to keep the stone clean and free of swarf. For more stubborn residue, a gentle scrub with a toothbrush can be employed. There are no complex cleaning procedures or special lubricants required, making it an incredibly low-maintenance tool.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Smiths Products 51312 DualGrit Double-Sided Sharpening Stone 6″ Diamond Sharpener comes as a self-contained unit with its integrated base and lid. There are no additional needles, tips, or mounts included, as its design is focused on straightforward sharpening. The plastic lid is the primary accessory, enhancing safety during use.

The stone’s fixed grit configuration means there are no real customization options in terms of abrasive coarseness. However, its compatibility with standard sharpening techniques means you can incorporate it into any existing sharpening workflow. You can, of course, use water as a lubricant, which is highly recommended.

Pros and Cons of Smiths Products 51312 DualGrit Double-Sided Sharpening Stone 6″ Diamond Sharpener

Who Should Buy Smiths Products 51312 DualGrit Double-Sided Sharpening Stone 6″ Diamond Sharpener?

This sharpening stone is an excellent choice for home cooks, DIY enthusiasts, woodworkers, and anyone who regularly uses knives or tools and wants to maintain a sharp edge efficiently and safely. It’s particularly well-suited for those who find traditional sharpening methods time-consuming or frustrating. The dual-grit nature makes it versatile enough for a wide range of common sharpening tasks.

Individuals seeking the absolute finest, mirror-polished edge for display knives or specialized applications might want to consider additional stropping or ultra-fine grit stones. Those who prefer the tactile feel and traditional methods of natural stones might also look elsewhere. However, for a practical, effective, and safe sharpening solution that delivers sharp edges quickly, this Smiths model is hard to beat.

A must-have accessory to maximize its effectiveness is a spray bottle of water for lubrication; it keeps the diamond particles cutting freely and flushes away metal debris.

Conclusion on Smiths Products 51312 DualGrit Double-Sided Sharpening Stone 6″ Diamond Sharpener

The Smiths Products 51312 DualGrit Double-Sided Sharpening Stone 6″ Diamond Sharpener delivers on its promise of efficient and safe edge maintenance. Its diamond abrasive technology cuts quickly, while the medium and fine grit surfaces provide the versatility needed for most sharpening jobs. The thoughtful design, particularly the safety features integrated into the lid and base, makes it a user-friendly option for a wide range of users.

Considering its price point of $46.79, the value proposition is strong. You’re getting a durable, effective sharpening tool that requires minimal maintenance and offers a significant performance boost over many budget-friendly alternatives. For its ability to quickly restore sharpness to dull blades and maintain a keen edge with ease, I would absolutely recommend this Smiths sharpening stone. It’s a practical workhorse that simplifies a sometimes-daunting task, making it a valuable addition to any toolkit or kitchen drawer.