Tool
Knife Sharpening Calculator
Pick the knife. Pick the steel. Get a bevel angle, grit progression, and stone recommendation in seconds. Built on the same logic we use ourselves — no marketing.
Your sharpening plan
Bevel angle
—
per side
Grit progression
—
JIS, in order
Micro-bevel?
—
add 2–3° steeper
Stones to start with
Why these numbers
For background on the logic, see What Angle to Sharpen a Kitchen Knife, Whetstone Grit Chart, and Knife Edge Geometry.
How this calculator decides
How does the sharpening calculator work?
You select your knife type and steel hardness. The calculator returns a recommended bevel angle, a grit progression in JIS, suggested first-stone choices, and whether a micro-bevel makes sense for that combination.
Why does the calculator suggest a steeper angle for softer steel?
Hardness sets the floor on how thin an edge can be without rolling under load. Softer steels (HRC 54–58) cannot support edges below 17° per side. Harder steels (HRC 62+) can hold thinner edges because the apex resists deformation.
Can I use this for any kitchen knife?
Yes, but verify the actual hardness on the manufacturer datasheet when possible. "Stainless kitchen knife" covers HRC 54 to HRC 64 depending on the maker; the right angle for one is wrong for the other.