Knife Sharpening Grit Guide: Choosing Your HONE Discs
For normal initial sharpening, HONE's recommended sequence is #400 Diamond Disc → #1000 Diamond Disc → #3000 Ceramic Honing Disc when available. For routine maintenance after the edge is established, HONE recommends the #3000 Ceramic Honing Disc, with occasional use of #1000 when the edge needs more refinement.
These are different starting situations. The standard sharpening sequence is not a requirement to repeat every disc each time you maintain a knife.
Which discs come with the standard kit?
The standard HONE Knife Sharpener kit includes a Rolling Sharpener, a magnetic Knife Holder, one double-sided #400 Diamond Disc and one double-sided #1000 Diamond Disc. Both faces of each included disc have the same grit coating.
The #200, #700, #2000 and #3000 discs are additional options relative to that standard kit. Current offers may include extras; check the product listing when ordering.
A quick guide to the discs
| Disc | Where it fits |
|---|---|
| HONE #200 Sharpening Disc | HONE's instructions place this optional disc before finer grits for badly damaged edges or intentional edge reprofiling. |
| HONE #400 Sharpening Disc | Initial sharpening in the standard HONE sequence. |
| HONE #700 Sharpening Disc | An additional disc option. See the product page for current details. |
| HONE #1000 Sharpening Disc | Refines the edge after #400; also used occasionally when a maintained edge needs more refinement. |
| HONE #2000 Sharpening Disc | An additional disc option. See the product page for current details. |
| HONE #3000 Ceramic Honing Disc | Finishing after sharpening and regular maintenance. If it is unavailable, HONE's instructions say to finish with #1000 instead. |
Initial sharpening versus maintenance
For normal initial sharpening, start with #400 and then move to #1000. Finish with #3000 ceramic when available. Follow the full setup and technique demonstrations in the HONE instructions, using light, even pressure with the Rolling Sharpener flat on a clean, stable surface.
After the initial sharpening, the maintenance route is #3000 ceramic, with occasional #1000 use when more refinement is needed. HONE's instructions do not make #200 part of this routine maintenance route.
The first sharpening can take longer if the knife's existing edge does not match the selected angle. Check the knife manufacturer's guidance and keep the existing angle unless you intentionally plan to change it. Reprofiling removes more metal during the initial change.
Do you need every disc?
No. HONE's standard kit includes the discs needed for normal sharpening. Additional accessories are optional. Choose them for the task you need to perform rather than assuming a larger collection is required.
HONE Pro Accessories brings several disc and finishing options together. Check the current listing for package contents and ordering details.
Keep the discs clean
Detach the disc before washing it with dish soap and water. Dry it completely before reinstalling it, and do not leave a wet disc attached to the Rolling Sharpener.
Diamond Discs can feel smoother after their first uses as they break in. Light metal residue or colour changes on the #3000 Ceramic Honing Disc can also be normal. The cleaning method is the same: detach, wash and dry completely.
See the HONE sharpening-disc care instructions for cleaning demonstrations and the complete sharpening method.