SBS Triple Diamond Sharpening Stone Set – Side By Side

How do I Bed In my SBS Diamond Sharpening Stone?

When you first receive the SBS Triple Diamond Stone, it may feel much rougher than expected, regardless of the indicated micron or grit size. This initial coarseness is entirely normal.

Bedding in is the removal of random diamond particulates that protrude from the surface but are not fully embedded into the nickel plate (typically around 70% embedded). These particles are a natural by-product of the plating process and are gradually knocked off during early use.

During this phase, the abrasion rate is initially very high. After a few sharpening sessions, the SBS Diamond Stone settles into its true grit character and the feel becomes more refined. In time, you’ll be able to distinguish the grit level by touch alone.

What Type of Diamond: Monocrystalline or Polycrystalline?

The SBS Diamond Bench Stone uses premium monocrystalline diamond across its plates.

Monocrystalline diamond is formed as single-crystal grains, which tend to be tougher and less prone to breaking down during use. That durability helps the abrasive stay consistent for longer, maintaining reliable cutting speed and a predictable feel over repeated sharpening sessions.

Polycrystalline diamond is made from clusters of micro-crystals. It can fracture more easily, which may create fresh sharp edges, but it typically breaks down faster and can feel less uniform as the abrasive structure changes.

For a side-by-side, multi-plate sharpening system designed to deliver repeatable results from coarse through fine, monocrystalline diamond is the superior choice for long-term stability and consistent performance.

I’ve noticed small scratches appearing on the 1200 grit stone. Where’s that coming from?

Occasionally this happens, particularly during the bedding-in phase. The usual cause is cross-contamination.

If you move from one grit to another without wiping the blade, stray 300 grit diamond particulates can remain on the tool. These particles can become trapped between the blade and the finer surface, creating light scratch marks.

These scratches are purely cosmetic and do not shorten the life of the SBS Diamond Stone — but they are easily avoided with a quick wipe between grit changes.

How can the SBS Diamond Stone be guaranteed for 10 years?

Good question. The answer is simple: the SBS was designed that way.

When a traditional diamond stone wears out, it’s typically only the top fraction of the surface (often less than 20 thou) that has reached the end of its life. Rather than discarding the entire unit, the worn surface can be removed and replaced by the owner.

Replacement diamond plates are supplied with full instructions, free of charge. The process usually takes less than 30 minutes, although we recommend weighting the surface overnight for optimal adhesion.

Designed to last. Designed to be renewed.

Does using more weight or force when sharpening speed up the process?

Short answer: no.

Diamond plates are not impressed by brute strength. Pressing harder does not speed up the process — it simply risks tearing diamond particles from the nickel-plated surface.

To achieve the best abrasion results and maximize life, use gentle, controlled pressure. Let the SBS do the work.

How flat is the SBS Diamond Bench Stone?

The SBS is manufactured and tested to within ±0.00175″ (±0.045 mm), measured corner to corner across the diamond surface. As a reference, this is approximately half the thickness of an average human hair.

Should I clean the SBS during use?

Yes — especially if it’s a full-on sharpening session rather than touching up a single chisel. The SBS Kit includes a cleaning block. Ensure the plates are dry and rub the cleaning block over the surface. It lifts the swarf paste very quickly and is a surprisingly satisfying process.

As you sharpen, swarf (tiny metal particulates from the tool) becomes suspended in the lapping fluid. If left unchecked, this swarf-laden fluid can create pasting on the surface, reducing cutting efficiency and slowing the abrasion rate.

A clean SBS Diamond Stone will always operate at its best.

Do I use the SBS dry or lubricated?

It’s widely recognized that a low-viscosity lubricant maintains better abrasion rates and causes less wear. A specifically designed lapping fluid significantly improves performance.

Lapping fluid prevents pasting and clogging — the fine metal particulates produced during sharpening become suspended in the lapping fluid — preventing them from becoming trapped between the tool and the diamond surface.

Pasting slows the abrasion rate and reduces efficiency.

Can the SBS sharpen ceramic knives?

Yes. Due to their extreme hardness, the SBS plates are ideal for ceramic knives.

Does the SBS need to be flattened like whetstones?

No. The SBS Diamond Stone does not need to be flattened; in fact, diamond plates are often used to flatten other types of whetstones.

What’s the difference between interrupted (holes) and continuous surfaces?

Interrupted surfaces (dots, holes, or — in this case — contour lines) help keep the working face free of sharpening detritus or swarf. The open-ended lines duct the detritus-laden fluid away from the contact area between the diamond surface and blade, helping to prevent clogging.

Continuous surfaces are better suited to small or pointed tools. The downside is that they require more frequent cleaning to prevent pasting or skating.

Can I regrind primary angles using the SBS?

In short, yes — and on any make of diamond bench stone.

However, we don’t recommend it.

Primary angle regrinding is best carried out on a powered system (e.g., a Tormek). Bench plates are designed to remove relatively small amounts of material precisely at the cutting edge.

Regrinding a primary can require ten or twenty times more material removal. You can do it — but it will take considerable time and will unnecessarily shorten the working life of the SBS Diamond Bench Stone.

Should I use water or oil to lubricate when sharpening?

Neither is ideal. Oil is too viscous and will cause skating between the tool and diamond surface, reducing the abrasion rate. Water is preferable; however, the SBS must be completely clean and dry before storing.

The optimal lubricant is a lapping fluid. It has low viscosity, maintains a high abrasion rate, and helps prevent oxidation or rust forming after sharpening.

A fully synthetic, water-based lapping fluid is available that is free from:

• Nitrates
• Mineral oil
• Sulphur
• Chlorine
• Phenol

This provides rust protection for your tools and reduces the chances of skin irritation and rashes commonly experienced with petroleum-based lapping fluids.

How should I clean and protect the SBS after use?

After sharpening:

• Roughly dry the plates.
• Give the surface a quick rub with the cleaning block.
• If a deeper clean is required, rinse the surface and gently scrub with a used toothbrush and dilute dish detergent or lapping fluid.
• Dry thoroughly before storage.

Storing the SBS damp or contaminated with swarf can encourage rust to form on the surface.

Tool Safety

A cautionary note: the tools referenced above can be hazardous, particularly for those who are young, inexperienced, or untrained.

Sharpening should only be undertaken by users with adequate skill and understanding.