Knife Sharpener Guide | How to Sharpen Japanese Knives | Shokunin Spirit

 How to Use the Sharpener

2026.05.29

Shokunin Spirit | Japanese Precision. Enduring Excellence.

1. How to Use the Sharpener

Before Sharpening

Sharpener with the Handle Cover closed
1Handle Cover
Lifting and opening the Handle Cover
2Lift and open the Handle Cover.
Gripping the sharpener handle firmly on a flat surface
3Place the sharpener on a flat surface and grip the handle firmly.

Insert the Knife

✓ Correct

Correct: the blade is centered in the slot

4Insert the knife straight down into the slot. Do not let the blade touch the sides. Let it settle naturally into the center.

✕ Incorrect

Incorrect: the blade is touching the side of the slot

5The blade is touching the side of the slot. Let the blade settle into the center.

2. Sharpening Process

For dull blades: Start with Stage I, Diamond Stone.

For daily sharpening: Start with Stage II, Coarse Stone.

IDiamond Stone (Very Coarse)

Pulling the knife toward yourself on the Diamond Stone

6Pull only

Always insert the blade from this position.

  • Apply light downward pressure and pull the blade straight toward yourself about 5 times.
  • Do not push the blade away.

IICoarse Stone / IIIFinishing Stone

Moving the knife back and forth on the Coarse and Finishing Stones

7Back and forth

  • II: Apply light downward pressure and move the blade back and forth about 10 times.
  • III: Apply light downward pressure and move the blade back and forth about 10 times.

3. Safety Precautions

  • Do not sharpen a knife with a chipped blade.
  • This sharpener is for double-bevel knives only.
  • Do not use on single-bevel blades, serrated blades, or ceramic knives.
  • Keep the sharpener out of the reach of children.
  • Keep the sharpener away from open flames.
  • Do not place the sharpener in the dishwasher.
  • Do not use steel wool or abrasive cleansers.
  • If the stones become clogged, rinse the sharpener with water without disassembling it, then dry thoroughly.

MADE IN JAPAN