Knife Sharpening with Sandpaper: 400?800?1000?2000 Grit

You don’t need expensive stones to sharpen knives. With the right sandpaper sequence—400 ? 800 ? 1000 ? 2000 grit—you can restore razor edges using affordable sheets. Mounted on a flat surface, sandpaper creates a controlled sharpening system for both kitchen and outdoor knives.

Why Use Sandpaper for Sharpening

Sandpaper is inexpensive, widely available, and comes in precise grits. It cuts metal efficiently and refines edges to near-mirror polish. Following the grit ladder ensures burr removal, edge refinement, and long-lasting sharpness.

Tools & Materials

• 9×11 in wet/dry sandpaper sheets: 400, 800, 1000, 2000 grit
• Flat surface (glass, granite, or wood block)
• Spray adhesive or clamps
• Lubricant: water or honing oil
• Knife guide (optional for consistent angle)
• Microfiber cloth

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 400 grit — Repairs chips, sets bevel.
• 800 grit — Refines edge, removes burrs.
• 1000 grit — Sharpens further, ready for kitchen use.
• 2000 grit — Polishes edge for razor sharpness.

Step-by-Step: Sandpaper Knife Sharpening

1. Mount sandpaper. Fix 400 grit (25-pack) to a flat block or glass plate.
2. Sharpen at 400 grit. Hold knife at 15–20° and push edge along sheet until bevel is even.
3. Step to 800 grit. Switch to 800 grit (50-pack). Repeat strokes until burr is gone.
4. Sharpen at 1000 grit. Move to 1000 grit (100-pack). Edge should now slice paper cleanly.
5. Final polish at 2000 grit. Finish with 2000 grit (25-pack). Polish edge until razor sharp.
6. Strop (optional). Use leather strop for ultra-fine edge.

Special Cases

Very dull knives: Start at 220 grit before 400 ? 800 ? 1000 ? 2000.
Hardened steels: Require more strokes at each grit.
Outdoor knives: Stop at 1000 grit for toothier edge better for rope and wood.

Pro Tips

• Keep angle steady—consistency matters more than speed.
• Lubricate with water or oil to reduce clogging.
• Alternate sides every few strokes to balance edge.
• Check sharpness with paper test or light reflection.
• Store knives properly after sharpening to maintain edge.

Aftercare

• Wipe knives clean after sharpening to remove grit.
• Touch up edges with 2000 grit monthly for maintenance.
• Hone lightly between uses to prolong sharpness.

FAQs

• Is sandpaper as good as stones? Yes—sandpaper can match or exceed stone sharpness if used properly.
• Can I sharpen scissors? Yes—use same method but maintain correct bevel.
• Why stop at 2000 grit? Finer grits exist but stropping handles final polish best.
• How long does it take? About 10–15 minutes for a dull kitchen knife.

Video: Sandpaper Knife Sharpening

Closing: With 400 ? 800 ? 1000 ? 2000 grit, sandpaper transforms dull knives into razor-sharp tools. Affordable, effective, and easy—perfect for kitchen or outdoor use.