Trend 8-in Diamond Sharpening & Flattening Stone 180/600 Grit

In this review the Trend double-sided diamond bench stone is judged as a practical, workshop-ready sharpener for tradespeople and keen DIYers who need fast flattening and reliable honing. The single biggest reason to buy is its two grit faces - a coarse 180 side for flattening and heavy material removal and a finer 600 side for refining edges - giving a complete flattening and sharpening workflow in one compact stone.

Key Features

• Double-sided 180/600 grit: Provides an extra-coarse surface to flatten and re-profile tools and a fine side to remove scratches and hone an edge quickly.
• Electroplated diamond surface: Large diamond area set in nickel gives consistent cutting action and a long service life when used properly with lapping fluid.
• Diamond clearance channels: The unique diamond-shaped channels on the 180 side reduce snagging and help clear swarf when working small or pointed tooling.
• Accessories included: The non-slip mat, cleaning block and pouch make it easier to keep the stone steady, maintain the surface and transport the unit safely.
• Generous working area: The 3 x 8 in surface gives enough length for chisels, plane irons and many knife blades without constantly repositioning the workpiece.

Who It's For

The stone suits bench workers, carpenters, shop fitters and contractors who need a durable flattening tool for chisels, plane irons and router bits, plus a finer face for final honing. It is also useful for hobbyists who prefer a robust, low-maintenance diamond plate over traditional oil or water stones.

People who want an ultra-fine finishing stone beyond 600 grit or who cannot tolerate occasional loose diamond particles should consider a different finishing system; likewise those who require a large full-length flattening plate for heavy grinding may want a larger industrial diamond lap.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Fast material removal on the 180 grit side for flattening and reprofiling tools.
• 600 grit face sharpens and refines edges to a useful working finish.
• Accessories like the non-slip mat and cleaning block help with stability and upkeep.
• Compact 3 x 8 in size is convenient to store and carry in the supplied pouch.

Cons

• Some users report mixed long-term durability, with occasional reports of diamonds loosening under heavy use.
• The 600 grit is fine for working edges but is not a mirror polish finish; additional stropping or higher grit stones are needed for ultra-fine honing.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Trend 8-in double-sided diamond bench stone is a sensible, cost-effective tool for trades and serious DIYers who need quick flattening and a reliable hone in one unit. Its combination of 180 and 600 grit, practical accessories and compact size make it good value for anyone sharpening chisels, plane irons and common workshop tools, though users seeking mirror finishes or industrial heavy-duty laps should look elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this stone flatten oil and water stones?
Yes, the 180 grit side is intended for flattening oil and water stones as well as reprofiling metal tools.

Do you need any lubricant while using it?
For best results use Trend lapping fluid or a similar diamond lapping fluid on the surface; it improves cutting action and swarf removal.

Is the 600 grit sufficient for kitchen knives?
The 600 grit side will produce a sharp, functional edge suitable for most knives, but those wanting a mirror polish should finish with higher grit stones or stropping.