Clipper Blade Sharpening Tools

Diamond Honing Stones

• Perhaps the most common type of sharpening stone, diamond honing stones are made of ground diamond and stone materials. These come in ceramic and stone varieties that can hone the hardest and dullest clipper blades. Like other sharpening stones, the diamond honing stone is used by pulling the blade (away from your body) against the stone as you hold the stone in place. Running the blades along the stone will hone the edge into a fine and sharp line again.

Arkansas Honing Stone

• Named for the state from which it is mined, the Arkansas honing stone is cut and shaped as a whetstone. The sharpening tool is made mostly of the mineral novaculite. Considered to be among the toughest and most useful honing stones, the Arkansas stone is especially useful for the sharpest of blades. It can be found in a variety of grades and different grittiness compositions.

Ceramic Sharpening Stones

• Also known as grinding stones, ceramic sharpening stones are produced from ceramic particles and bonding agents, and are made in a kiln. This type of stone can also be found in different consistencies and grades, and are the most specialized of the stones. Because of this, they offer the greatest accuracy and can be used on both aluminum and steel clipper blades.

Oilstones

• Oil sharpening stones are a much less commonly used form of stone for clipper blades, but they can be used for a variety of types of blades. They produce a slower cutting rate, but can be much cheaper than other types of stones. Main stone types include the India stone and the Crystolon stone. Both are gray in color and offer the fastest cutting of the oilstones. They can be found in most hardware stores.