The GT-6 whetstone holder and tray package by Suehiro Japan is our recommendation for a mid-level tray and stone holder option. Suitable for most sharpeners and most whetstones, the package is supplied with a non-slip tray, an adjustable locking whetstone rack and a 2nd split base for larger stones.
- Suehiro GT-6 Whetstone Holder & Tray Set
- High-Impact Polystyrene Tray
- 170mm (W) x 340mm (L) x 23mm (H)
- Elastomer Resin & Stainless Steel Adjustable Rack
- 86mm (W) x 36mm (H)
- Whetstones 143mm - 243mm Long
- Split Whetstone Base
- Per Side, 2 Of: 80mm (W) x 95mm (L) x 20mm (H)
- Made in Japan
Japanese Sharpening Stones (Whetstones)
The consensus for sharpening Japanese kitchen knives, as well as Japanese woodworking tools, is the use of a whetstone. Dry grinding can affect temper (effectively ruining your knife or tool) and diamond plates are often too aggressive (removing too much material).
All Japanese whetstones will require flattening after use, no matter what type of stone, or the style of your sharpening, all whetstones will begin to dish over time. We recommend a ceramic flattening stone, or diamond plate for this task. For more info, check out Selecting a Japanese Whetstone.