Knife Sharpening with Sandpaper: Razor Edges at Home (400–2000 Grit Guide)

Keeping kitchen and utility knives sharp makes cutting safer and easier. While whetstones are popular, sandpaper is an affordable and highly effective sharpening method. With the right grit sequence, you can bring dull knives back to razor-sharp performance at home.

Why Use Sandpaper for Sharpening?

Sandpaper conforms to the blade’s shape, removes metal quickly, and polishes to a fine edge. It’s inexpensive, versatile, and doesn’t require soaking or maintenance like whetstones.

Best Tools for Knife Sharpening

• 9x11 in silicon carbide wet/dry sandpaper sheets
• Flat surface (glass or granite) as backing
• Water with a drop of dish soap for lubrication
• Honing guide or angle control jig (optional)
• Leather strop (optional for final polish)

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 400 grit: Repair chips and reshape dull edges.
• 800 grit: Begin refining the cutting edge.
• 1200 grit: Hone for sharpness.
• 2000 grit: Polish to a razor finish.

Step-by-Step: Sharpening Knives with Sandpaper

1. Secure sandpaper. Tape a sheet to flat glass or granite for stability.
2. Start with 400 grit. Grind out chips and establish the bevel. Use 400 Grit (25-pack).
3. Move to 800 grit. Refine the edge with lighter strokes. Try 800 Grit (50-pack).
4. Sharpen with 1200 grit. Hone for a clean, sharp cutting edge. Stock up on 1200 Grit (100-pack).
5. Polish with 2000 grit. Light strokes create a razor-sharp finish.
6. Optional strop. Pull the knife across a leather strop for extra sharpness.
7. Test sharpness. Carefully slice paper or shave thin strips of tomato skin.

Special Cases

For serrated knives, wrap sandpaper around a dowel and sharpen each groove individually.

Pro Tips

• Maintain a consistent angle—15° for kitchen knives, 20° for utility knives.
• Use water to lubricate and prevent clogging.
• Replace sheets often for consistent cutting performance.
• Work slowly—precision matters more than speed.

Aftercare

• Dry knives thoroughly to prevent rust.
• Apply a light coat of mineral oil to carbon steel blades.
• Store sandpaper flat and dry for reuse.

FAQs

• Can I sharpen stainless steel knives? Yes, silicon carbide sandpaper works on stainless and carbon steel.
• How often should I sharpen? Once knives feel dull—usually every few weeks with regular use.
• Can I skip straight to fine grit? Only if the blade is already in good condition.

Watch & Learn

For razor-sharp results, explore our full range from coarse to ultra-fine in the Super Fine Sandpaper Collection.