Soak the whetstone in water for 5-10 minutes or until the air bubbles stop appearing, which indicates the stone has absorbed the optimal amount of water.While sharpening, continue to apply water to the stone.
The combination of the water and the small particles released from the stone create an abrasive substance that sharpens the blade. Place the stone on a slip-resistant surface, such as a towel, and begin sharpening with the coarse grit of your stone. Move the blade away from then towards the body, in a back and forth motion, at an angle of 10 - 15 degrees across the stone.
Use light pressure. Begin at the tip of the blade, pull the blade over the stone through the middle and down to the base of the blade. Turn the knife around and work on the other side of the blade. Repeat this process as many times as you feel is necessary. To finish, pull the blade at an angle (use the same angle throughout your sharpening) twice against the edge to remove the last burs. Rinse the whetstone and clean the grinding residue. Rinse the knives thoroughly in hot water and pat dry. Instructional videos for using a whetstone can be found online, and we encourage you to watch them to learn more.