Smiths Diamond Bench Stone Review

Let’s Dive into Smiths Diamond Bench Stone

The Smiths Diamond Bench Stone is a compact and versatile sharpening solution, designed to restore and maintain the edges of knives and tools. Manufactured by Smiths, this stone utilizes micron-sized monocrystalline diamonds bonded to a flat metal surface. Its combination of portability, dual-grit options, and included accessories makes it an appealing choice for both novice and experienced sharpeners.

My own collection of blades had reached a point where a simple honing steel wasn’t cutting it. I needed a reliable way to restore a truly keen edge, something that went beyond maintenance. The Smiths Diamond Bench Stone presented itself as a user-friendly option with good reviews and an attractive price point.

Upon unboxing the Smiths Diamond Bench Stone, I was immediately impressed by its solid feel and the thoughtful inclusion of a non-slip base and protective lid. The plastic base felt sturdy and the rubber feet provided excellent stability on my workbench. The stone itself felt dense and the diamond surface appeared evenly distributed.

Compared to other sharpening options I considered, like ceramic stones or guided systems, the Smiths Diamond Bench Stone stood out for its simplicity and speed. While I appreciated the precision of guided systems, they seemed overkill for everyday sharpening tasks. I chose the Smiths Diamond Bench Stone for its promise of a quick, effective, and portable sharpening solution.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The stone looked well-made and felt substantial, but I was eager to see if it could live up to its claims of restoring a razor-sharp edge. The included micro-tool sharpening pad was a bonus, promising to handle even the smallest of my tools.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Smiths Diamond Bench Stone to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Smiths Diamond Bench Stone on a well-used EDC knife with a slightly dulled edge. Working on my kitchen counter, the non-slip base kept the stone firmly in place. The coarse grit side (Yellow-325) quickly removed material, and I noticed a significant improvement after just a few passes.

The stone performed admirably even with a small amount of water as a lubricant. There was no clogging, and the diamond surface continued to cut efficiently. The Smiths Diamond Bench Stone was remarkably easy to use, requiring only a few minutes to establish a consistent angle and technique.

After the initial sharpening on the coarse grit, I moved to the included honing guide. This proved very useful in maintaining a consistent angle. There were no unexpected problems or issues after the initial use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Smiths Diamond Bench Stone to maintain various knives and tools, it has proven to be a reliable addition to my sharpening kit. The stone has held up well with only slight signs of wear on the diamond surface. The base and lid have remained intact, demonstrating decent durability.

Cleaning the Smiths Diamond Bench Stone is simple – a quick rinse with water and a scrub with a soft brush is all it takes to remove any accumulated metal filings. This ease of maintenance is a significant advantage. Compared to previous sharpening experiences with oil stones, which can become messy and require more involved cleaning, the Smiths Diamond Bench Stone has exceeded expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Smiths Diamond Bench Stone

Specifications

• The Smiths Diamond Bench Stone measures 6 inches in length and 2.5 inches in width. This size provides a good balance between portability and sufficient sharpening surface area.
• It features a ONE-sided sharpening stone, with the coarse grit (325) on one side and fine grit (750) on the other. The dual-grit design allows for both aggressive edge restoration and fine honing.
• The Smiths Diamond Bench Stone is available in two grit options: Coarse (Yellow – 325 grit) and Fine (Orange – 750 grit). The coarse grit is intended for setting the edge, while the fine grit is for finishing.
• A molded plastic base with non-slip rubber feet ensures stability and safety during use. This prevents the stone from sliding around on the work surface.
• A clear, plastic lid is included to protect the stone when not in use. This keeps the diamond surface clean and prevents damage during storage.
• It also comes with a micro-tool sharpening pad for small tools. This is a handy feature for sharpening smaller items like fishhooks or small penknives.

These specifications collectively contribute to the Smiths Diamond Bench Stone’s versatility, ease of use, and overall effectiveness. The dual-grit design caters to a range of sharpening needs. The non-slip base and protective lid add to the user-friendly design.

Performance & Functionality

The Smiths Diamond Bench Stone performs its job admirably, quickly and effectively restoring sharp edges to knives and tools. The coarse grit efficiently removes material to reshape damaged edges. The fine grit then hones the edge to a razor-sharp finish.

One of the strengths of the Smiths Diamond Bench Stone is its speed. It is noticeably faster than traditional sharpening stones. One weakness is that it may take practice to maintain a consistent angle without the honing guide.

It has met and exceeded my expectations for a portable and easy-to-use sharpening solution. The Smiths Diamond Bench Stone has become an indispensable tool in my workshop and field kit.

Design & Ergonomics

The Smiths Diamond Bench Stone boasts a simple yet effective design. The molded plastic base is lightweight yet sturdy. The stone itself feels comfortable to hold.

It’s also user-friendly. There’s minimal learning curve to master the basics of sharpening with the Smiths Diamond Bench Stone.

Durability & Maintenance

The Smiths Diamond Bench Stone appears to be built to last, with a durable diamond surface and a robust plastic base. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning with water and a soft brush will keep the stone in optimal condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Smiths Diamond Bench Stone comes with a few useful accessories: a molded plastic base with non-slip rubber feet, a clear plastic lid, and a micro-tool sharpening pad. While there are no specific customization options for the stone itself, it is compatible with various sharpening guides and lubricants available on the market.

Pros and Cons of Smiths Diamond Bench Stone

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Who Should Buy Smiths Diamond Bench Stone?

The Smiths Diamond Bench Stone is perfect for: outdoorsmen, hunters, campers, anglers, and anyone who needs a reliable and portable sharpening solution. It is particularly well-suited for those who need to quickly restore edges in the field. It’s also a great option for home users looking for a user-friendly and effective sharpening tool.

Those seeking extreme precision or specialized sharpening needs may prefer more advanced systems. Someone who wants an all-in-one sharpening solution may want to purchase sharpening stones that have more sides.

A sharpening lubricant, such as honing oil or water, is a must-have accessory.

Conclusion on Smiths Diamond Bench Stone

The Smiths Diamond Bench Stone is a well-designed and effective sharpening tool that offers excellent value for its price. Its speed, versatility, and portability make it a standout choice in the sharpening market.

At $34.99, the price is justified by the performance and durability of the stone. It offers a significant upgrade over cheaper sharpening options.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Smiths Diamond Bench Stone to anyone looking for a reliable and user-friendly sharpening solution. It’s a worthwhile investment that will keep your knives and tools in top condition. Give your blades the edge they deserve – invest in the Smiths Diamond Bench Stone today!