wheting

Wheting is a term that refers to the process of sharpening a blade, typically a knife or tool, using a whetstone. A whetstone is an abrasive stone used for sharpening the edge of a knife, tool, or other blade. Whetstones are often made from natural materials like sandstone, quartz, or novaculite, but synthetic versions are also common. They come in various grit sizes, with lower grits being coarser and used for reshaping or repairing a damaged edge, and higher grits being finer and used for polishing and creating a razor-sharp edge.

The wheting process involves drawing the blade across the surface of the whetstone at a consistent angle. This action removes small amounts of metal from the edge, creating a new, sharp bevel. Maintaining a consistent angle is crucial for effective wheting and for achieving a uniform sharpness along the entire length of the blade. Water or oil is often used as a lubricant during wheting to help wash away metal particles and prevent the stone from becoming clogged. Different types of blades and desired levels of sharpness may require specific whetstone grits and techniques. Proper wheting can significantly extend the life and functionality of cutting tools.