SHARPAL 168H 8 in x 3 in Dual-Grit Diamond Sharpening Stone - Precise

In this review the SHARPAL 168H diamond sharpening stone proves to be a practical choice for cooks, hobbyists, and tool owners who need a dependable, low-maintenance way to restore and refine edges. The single biggest reason to buy is its combination of a coarse 325 grit and an extra-fine 1000 grit on a large 8 in x 3 in monocrystalline diamond plate, which lets users move from rebuilding a dull edge to honing a near-razor finish without changing stones. The review focuses on real use: edge restoration speed, surface stability, and fit for harder steels.

Key Features

• Dual grits: The coarse 325 grit quickly restores dull or damaged edges while the 1000 grit side refines and polishes for everyday sharpness.
• Large surface: The 8 in x 3 in size gives better stability and angle control, making it easier to sharpen larger blades and hold a consistent bevel.
• Monocrystalline diamond: Durable diamond construction resists wear under heavy pressure and keeps abrasive performance consistent over time.
• MirrorFlat accuracy: Precision-ground flatness ensures even blade contact so users can maintain accurate edge geometry without hotspots.
• Included accessories: The four-angle guide and non-slip pad help maintain consistent bevels and secure the stone during sessions for safer work.
• Dry use and longevity: Diamond plating works dry with no lapping required, reducing mess and maintenance compared with traditional whetstones.

Who It's For

The SHARPAL 168H is well suited to professional cooks, home chefs, and knife enthusiasts who own knives made from harder modern steels and need a fast, reliable way to restore and finish edges. It also fits makers and workshop users who sharpen chisels, plane irons, and other cutting tools that benefit from consistent flatness and the ability to take heavier passes.

Those who prefer a traditional soaking whetstone experience or want an ultra-fine micro-polish beyond 1000 grit might look elsewhere, as the extra-fine 1000 grit is excellent for everyday razor-like edges but is not a substitute for stropping or very high grit finishing stones for mirror-polish work.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Fast material removal on the 325 grit side for restoring very dull edges.
• 1000 grit side provides a clean, usable finish without needing a second stone.
• Large footprint and MirrorFlat accuracy improve angle control and consistency across the blade.
• Includes a non-slip pad and angle guide that simplify consistent sharpening for less-experienced users.

Cons

• Some users report mixed impressions about long-term flatness compared with higher-end plates, so regular checks are wise.
• The 1000 grit is sufficient for most tasks but not a substitute for ultra-fine finishing or stropping when a mirror polish is required.

Specifications

Brand	SHARPAL
Model	168H
Size	8 in x 3 in (201 mm x 75 mm)
Grits	Dual-sided 325 grit (coarse) / 1000 grit (extra-fine)
Diamond type	Monocrystalline diamond, electroplated
Flatness	MirrorFlat precision-ground (0.002 in / 0.05 mm)
Includes	4-angle guide (14, 17, 20, 25) and non-slip pad

Our Verdict

The SHARPAL 168H is a hardworking, low-maintenance diamond stone that combines rapid edge restoration with a usable finish in one tool, making it excellent value for cooks and tool users who need reliable results on modern steels. For those seeking the fastest rebuilds and consistent bevel control on larger blades, it is a practical buy; professionals seeking mirror-polished edges may still pair it with stropping or higher grit finishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the stone be used dry?
Yes. The electroplated diamond surface is designed to work dry without soaking or messy lapping.

Will it sharpen very hard steels like M390?
Yes. Diamond cuts even super steels efficiently, which makes this stone suitable for hard modern blade steels.

Is the included angle guide useful?
Yes. The four-angle guide helps maintain consistent edge geometry, especially for users new to freehand sharpening.