Thai Binsui Whetstones: The Ancient Art of Sharpening Blades

Thailand is known for its beautiful beaches, delicious food, and rich culture. However, not many people know that this country is also home to a natural sharpening stone that has been used by locals for generations.



Thai Binsui Whetstone sharpening stones are a type of natural stone used for sharpening knives, swords, and other cutting tools. They are made from sedimentary rock, which is found in various regions of Thailand. The use of these stones has been an integral part of Thai culture for centuries, and they continue to be popular among knife enthusiasts and blacksmiths alike.



History of Thai Whetstones:

The use of sharpening stones in Thailand dates back to ancient times. They were initially used by farmers and hunters to sharpen their agricultural and hunting tools. Later, the art of blade-making became prevalent in Thailand, and sharpening stones were used to maintain the sharpness of the blades.



The production of Thai whetstones began in the Northern region of Thailand, where the raw materials were readily available. The stones were extracted from quarries and then sold to local craftsmen who would shape them into sharpening stones. These craftsmen were called "Pah Tong," and their art of sharpening stones was passed down through generations.

In the early 20th century, Thai whetstones gained popularity among chefs and cooks. Thailand is renowned for its cuisine, which requires the precision cutting of vegetables and meat. Thai whetstones proved to be perfect for this purpose, as they could sharpen knives to a razor-sharp edge.



The natural sharpening stone is made from two large groups of rocks that have been ingrained for millions of years, creating a unique texture that is perfect for sharpening knives.

The first group of rocks that make up the natural sharpening stone is old lava rock. This type of rock comes from a lava flow that erupted from a fissure or crater and flowed down the surrounding area. The geological name for this type of lava is Rhyoliye. It has a texture that is usually yellow or yellow-grey, yellow-brown, or yellow-sugar. If the texture is firm, it will turn slowly and have less mud. In the Thai oral language, the stone with less mud is called the clear water stone or Man Pu.

The second group of rocks is a sedimentary rock. It is divided into two main types: sandstone and mudstone. The sedimentary rock of sandstone is made up of dust from horse teeth and sandstone, or similar sediment that accumulated from small dust particles with streams or winds bringing them together. Millions of years of imports have turned it into stone, and its geological name is Kaolinite. Because it is a sedimentary rock, it is easy to change its face. This group, if of good quality, will have a white color and be ground or filtered to work on ceramics, crockery, or tiles. If very strong, some villagers use it to make a knife sharpening stone. The Thai oral language or dialect called it Hin Pong. Originally found in small streams in the north, streams tend to dry up in the dry season, and the stone texture appears clearly visible.

The second type of sedimentary rock is formed from fine mud, which includes mud from the sea and mud from the river. It is usually dark, dark gray, or almost black and consists of small particles of soil deposited together. This type of stone has a finer texture than the above two types and is found a lot around the southern and northeastern parts of the Mekong River, or a tributary river that flows into the Mekong River. This kind of stone is good at sharpening knives and is known geologically as shale and slate. Over time, this kind of stone is subjected to heat, pressure, and flattened, becoming firmer and even stronger, thus obtaining another kind of texture known as hard rock.

Types of Thai Whetstones:

Thai whetstones come in various types, each with its unique characteristics. The most commonly used stones are:

1. Novaculite:

Novaculite is a type of sedimentary rock that is formed from silica-rich sediments. It is usually found in the Northeastern region of Thailand. Novaculite has a fine texture and is ideal for sharpening knives to a very sharp edge.

2. Shale:

Shale is another type of sedimentary rock used for sharpening knives. It is usually found in the Southern region of Thailand. Shale has a coarse texture, making it ideal for sharpening dull knives.

3. Basalt:

Basalt is a type of volcanic rock found in the Central region of Thailand. It has a fine texture and is ideal for sharpening knives to a razor-sharp edge.

4. Sandstone:

Sandstone is a type of sedimentary rock that is formed from sand-sized particles. It is usually found in the Central region of Thailand. Sandstone has a medium texture, making it ideal for sharpening knives to a sharp edge.

How to Use Thai Whetstones:

Using a Thai whetstone requires a bit of practice and patience. The stone is first soaked in water for several minutes to soften the surface. Then, the blade is placed on the stone at a specific angle and moved back and forth, applying light pressure. This process is repeated several times, gradually refining the edge of the blade until it is sharp and polished.



Here is a simple guide to using a Thai whetstone:

1. Soak the stone in water for 10 to 15 minutes before use.

2. Hold the knife at a 20-degree angle to the stone.

3. Move the blade back and forth across the stone, applying moderate pressure.

4. Repeat the process on the other side of the blade.

5. Use a honing rod to remove any burrs from the blade.

6. Rinse the blade with water and dry it with a clean cloth.

How Thai Whetstones are Used Today

Today, Thai whetstones are still used by craftsmen and hobbyists to sharpen their blades and tools. They are also popular among chefs and butchers who demand sharp knives to prepare their dishes. Many Thai whetstones are exported to other countries, where they are prized for their quality and performance.

Thailand's natural sharpening whetstone is a fascinating geological wonder that has been used for generations by locals. They are an ancient and essential tool for craftsmen, farmers, and chefs in Thailand. They are a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Thai people, who have been using these stones for centuries to sharpen their blades and tools. Whether you're a professional chef or a hobbyist, a Thai whetstone can help you achieve a razor-sharp edge on your blades and tools, making your work easier and more efficient.

In conclusion, the art of making Thai whetstones has been passed down through generations. Made from two large groups of rocks, the stone has a unique texture that is perfect for sharpening knives and other tools. Its ability to maintain a sharp edge for a long time has made it a popular tool for chefs and cooks in Thailand and beyond. If you're ever in Thailand, make sure to check out this natural wonder and view it for yourself or better yet, let us ship it directly to your home for all your daily sharpening tasks.