162N Double-sided Diamond Sharpening Stone, 8 in. x 3 in.
The Sharpal 162N provides an 8-by-3-inch monocrystalline diamond plate mounted to a substantial steel core, pairing 325-grit coarse and 1200-grit extra-fine surfaces. At $69.99, it serves as a fast-cutting foundation for edge reprofiling and maintenance, though fine finishing requires secondary refinement.
Research review based on an Amazon listing, recorded specifications and captured buyer ratings. Review record from Sep 28, 2026; price, rating and availability last checked Nov 8, 2026. It does not verify every maker claim. Not a hands-on test — see how we review.
Price
$69.99
Checked Nov 8, 2026
Amazon rating
4.7
★★★★★4.7
Ratings
4,076
Best for Sharpening high-hardness steels with zero stone maintenance
Diamond abrasive plates provide a permanently flat surface that never dishes and cuts hard, wear-resistant steels with minimal effort. This double-sided 8x3-inch block eliminates water soaking and slurry cleanup entirely. The scratch pattern is more aggressive than that of equivalent water stones, requiring a disciplined, light hand.
What we like
+Never requires flattening or water soaking
+Cuts advanced tool and stainless steels effortlessly
+Spacious 8 by 3 inch surface area
What to weigh up
−Higher initial price point
−Diamond scratches require careful refining on fine edges
Price, rating and availability as read from the listing on Nov 8, 2026; Amazon can change them at any time. We earn a commission on qualifying purchases.
Our scorecard
Research-based assessment
8.2out of 10
Overall
Build quality8.8
Massive 1.4 kg assembly with a 0.35-inch stainless steel core ensures stability.
Surface flatness9.0
Steel diamond plate maintains continuous planarity without the dishing common to waterstones.
Grit versatility7.4
The 325/1200 spread handles repair and basic sharpening, omitting true polishing stages.
Angle assistance7.2
Included plastic wedge provides basic angular reference rather than fixed mechanical guidance.
Overall value8.6
Strong balance of durable abrasive material, physical mass, and reasonable pricing.
The full review
Design and Build
The Sharpal 162N centers on a solid 0.35-inch thick stainless steel plate measuring eight inches in length by three inches in width. At an overall package weight of 1.4 kilograms, the tool possesses sufficient inherent mass to resist shifting across a workbench during heavy stock removal. The monocrystalline industrial diamonds are electroplated directly onto both sides of this steel slab, delivering a coarse 325-grit surface on one face and a 1200-grit surface on the reverse. Unlike traditional clay- or resin-bonded waterstones that dish over time, this metallic substrate remains inherently flat, removing the need for dedicated flattening plates. The included housing doubles as an elevated sharpening station, equipped with non-slip rubber footing on its base to retain the plate securely. Construction tolerances are tight, though the included plastic angle guide—molded with 14, 17, 20, and 25-degree reference points—is a loose secondary aid rather than an integrated jig.
Real-World Performance
Abrasive electroplating enables rapid material removal on demanding metallurgy, including high-speed tool steels, ceramic, and carbide that typically stall conventional synthetic stones. The 325-grit face (45 microns) establishes secondary bevels, repairs minor edge rolling, and removes micro-chips within only a few dozen alternating passes. Transitioning to the 1200-grit face (12 microns) refines scratch patterns into an aggressive, toothy working edge. Operating dry or with water is viable; the absence of oil simplifies cleanup significantly. However, users adhering to standard kitchen knife geometry must contextualize these grit ratings. Our baseline recommendation for kitchen cutlery favors a 1000/6000 progression. While the Sharpal 1200-grit side forms a clean apex capable of clean push cuts through newsprint, it produces a distinct micro-serration rather than the polished refinement of a 6000-grit waterstone. The four-angle guide helps check orientation, but maintaining angle consistency ultimately relies on manual muscle memory.
Value for Money
Priced at $69.99, the Sharpal 162N competes directly with premium bench stones and budget-tier guided systems. A user rating of 4.7 out of 5 across more than 4,000 recorded reviews reflects strong market satisfaction regarding durability. When compared to synthetic waterstones in the same price tier, the diamond format offers substantial lifetime savings by eliminating stone-flattening accessories and abrasive slurries. Sharpal backs the tool with a three-year manufacturer commitment. The inclusion of a robust plastic base and angle-check block completes a functional package without requiring separate stone holders, which often cost an additional $15 to $25. Buyers who maintain extensive workshop tools, garden equipment, or abrasion-resistant pocket-knife alloys will derive high return per dollar here, as electroplated monocrystalline diamond handles difficult alloys without the surface gouging that softer waterstones suffer from when encountering narrow gouges or chisels.
Who Should Skip It
Dedicated culinary enthusiasts aiming for razor-polished, push-cutting edges on delicate Japanese kitchen knives should skip this as a standalone solution. Because the 1200-grit finish tops out at 12 microns, it lacks the fine refinement of a 6000-grit polishing stone, making supplementary high-grit stones or dedicated stropping mandatory for high-end cutlery. Complete novices seeking fully automated bevel consistency should also look elsewhere; the bundled angle wedge merely checks hand positioning at rests, unlike true guided rod-and-clamp setups that mechanically eliminate tilt. Finally, users who strictly sharpen softer European kitchen steels at high frequencies will find the aggressive diamond matrix unnecessarily harsh compared to softer aluminum oxide stones that offer greater tactile feedback and more forgiving scratch removal rates during routine maintenance sessions.
Specifications
Recorded from the listing
Material Type
Monocrystalline Diamond
Item Dimensions L x W x H
8.46"L x 3.94"W x 1.93"H
Item Weight
1.4 kg
Number of Packs
1
Item Highlight
Coarse 325 / Extra Fine 1200 Grit, Storage Case with NonSlip Base, Angle Guide, Knife Sharpener
Model Number
162N
Color
Black and Silver
Grit Type
Coarse, Extra Fine
Brand Name
SHARPAL
Number of Items
3
Manufacturer
Sharpal Inc.
Unit Count
1 Count
Manufacturer Part Number
162N
What to confirm for this exact model
Potential fit
Sharpening high-hardness steels with zero stone maintenance. Confirm that the model and included equipment meet your intended use.
Trade-off to resolve
Higher initial price point Check whether this matters for your setup before ordering.
Included equipment and compatibility
Check the exact variant, quantity, dimensions, required accessories and any applicable power or connection requirements. A missing specification is unknown, not proof that a feature is absent.
Ownership and purchase terms
Verify seller, delivered price, return conditions and manufacturer warranty for your location. Check replacement parts and ongoing costs where applicable.
Recorded price history
2 checks · Sep 28, 2026 to Nov 8, 2026
Prices we read from the Amazon listing on each check, for the new item as sold on the listing page. They are snapshots between checks, not a complete price record; offers can change several times a day.
Latest
$69.99
Lowest recorded
$69.99
Sep 28, 2026
Highest recorded
$69.99
Since previous
No change
Each recorded price check
Checked
Price
Read from
Nov 8, 2026
$69.99
Listing page
Sep 28, 2026
$69.99
Listing import
What the maker claims
—FAST, Durable and Heavy-Duty: Industrial monocrystalline diamonds are electroplated onto a stainless steel base of 0.35 inch thickness. Up to 5 times faster sharpening than oil stone, water stone
—DUAL GRIT: Coarse 325 grit (45 micron) for quick edge setting; Extra fine 1200 grit (12 micron) for honing. Sharpen and Hone HARD Material including High Speed Steel, Carbide, Ceramic & Cubic Boron Nitride. Sharpen dry. No messy oil or water needed.
—Super FLAT Surface: SHARPAL exclusive MirrorFlat technology guarantees long-lasting even contact with knives or tools, while oil stone and water stone easily wear down with uneven surface
—Superior Bonus Pack: Includes storage box with non-slip rubber pad that can be used as a stone base while sharpening; With Sharpening Angle Guide integrated with 4 universal angles-14°, 17°, 20°, 25° and instruction manual inside of packaging
—3 YEARS of Commitment and Superior After-Sale Service: SHARPAL, headquartered in California, USA, with branches in Germany and Australia, provides easy and effective sharpening solutions. All products undergo rigorous testing to ensure top-tier performance and durability.
How it compares
Related listings
Alternatives are selected by recorded product-type relevance and price proximity. Confirm exact purpose and compatibility; a shared category does not guarantee interchangeability.
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162N Double-sided Diamond Sharpening Stone, 8 in. x 3 in. (this one)
A dash means the value was not recorded, not that a feature is absent. Prices and ratings are captured snapshots; editorial scores are research assessments rather than measured performance.
Common questions
Can this stone replace a 1000/6000 waterstone combination?
No. The 1200-grit diamond surface delivers an edge roughly equivalent to a medium-fine scratch pattern. A traditional 1000/6000 progression provides dedicated tooth on the low end and a mirror polish on the high end. You will still require a fine ceramic stone or strop for push-cutting finish.
Does this diamond plate require water or oil during sharpening?
The manufacturer rates this plate for dry operation without lubricants. However, applying a light mist of water or non-corrosive lapping fluid helps float swarf away from the diamond matrix, preventing metal particulates from packing into the pores and extending the effective cutting lifespan of the abrasive surface.
Does the included angle guide lock the knife in place?
No. The included guide is an unattached plastic wedge marked with 14, 17, 20, and 25-degree bevel angles. It serves as a static visual reference to check your blade posture before starting a stroke, rather than a mechanical clamp that actively restricts hand movement.
Is the 1200-grit side suitable for honing between full sharpenings?
While the manufacturer notes honing capability, 1200 grit removes metal rather than merely realigning folded edges. Regular honing should be executed on a smooth ceramic or steel rod; reserve this stone for sharpening when edge geometry needs actual abrasion, metal reduction, and scratch pattern resetting.
How we judge knife sharpening
Rule 01
A 1000/6000 combination stone covers almost every kitchen need.
Rule 02
Guided systems trade speed for repeatable angles — worth it early on.
Rule 03
Honing and sharpening serve different purposes; follow guidance for your blade steel and edge rather than assuming every knife needs a honing rod.
Sources and limits
This page summarizes our research reviews of Amazon listings, listed specifications and captured buyer ratings. It is not a hands-on test. Scores are editorial assessments, not measured performance; prices are recorded snapshots and may change. A category can include both main products and accessories, so its overall price range is not the cost of a complete setup.
Most recent product record update: September 28, 2026. Individual records may be older; this is not a verification date for every claim. Prices on this page were read from the listings Nov 8, 2026.
