We dug through YouTube to find the ten most-watched videos on sharpening a knife, ranked here by actual view count from highest to lowest. Whether you’re touching up a blade at camp or learning the basics at the kitchen counter, there’s something on this list for you.
The group is a mix of quick, under-three-minute demonstrations and longer deep-dives from well-known outdoor and bladesmith channels. Some focus on simple beginner-friendly approaches, others on getting a razor edge fast, and a few zero in on the mistakes that trip people up. Skim the blurbs below to find the one that matches how much time you have and how deep you want to go.
1. Whetstone Sharpening Mistakes that Most Beginners Make
Ethan Chlebowski · 11.1M views · 8:25 · 2020
With over 11 million views, this is by far the most-watched video on the list. Cooking channel Ethan Chlebowski walks through the common mistakes beginners make with a whetstone in a polished 8-minute demonstration. It's kitchen-focused rather than field-focused, but a great pick if you want to understand what goes wrong before you start.
2. How to Use a Sharpening Stone | Knives
Howcast · 5.1M views · 3:12 · 2011
A short, classic Howcast tutorial featuring knife expert Dan Delavan, running just over three minutes. It's a straightforward studio-style demonstration of sharpening stone use, aimed squarely at beginners who want a fast, no-frills answer. Note it's an older upload from 2011, though its five million views suggest it's held up.
3. How to Sharpen a Knife in 90 Seconds! Quick, Easy Knife Sharpening Tutorial
Work Sharp Tools · 1.9M views · 1:30 · 2021
At exactly 90 seconds, this is the quickest watch on the list. Work Sharp Tools demonstrates their own Benchstone sharpener in a tight, product-centered tutorial. Best for viewers who want the fastest possible answer and don't mind a brand demo.
4. How to Sharpen a Knife with a Whetstone – Sharpening Dull Kitchen Knife to Extremely Sharp
TheRenderQ · 1.9M views · 2:27 · 2017
This 2.5-minute video from TheRenderQ takes a dull kitchen knife to an extremely sharp edge using a two-sided whetstone. It's a compact, satisfying before-and-after demonstration. Good for viewers who want to see the full process condensed into just a couple of minutes.
5. The Easiest Way To Sharpen Knives with Dan Wowak. Yes you can do it.
UCO · 1.8M views · 6:21 · 2019
Outdoor gear brand UCO brings in Dan Wowak for a six-minute demonstration built around keeping things simple. With nearly 1.8 million views, it's pitched at people intimidated by sharpening and looking for an approachable method. A solid middle ground between the ultra-short clips and the longer lectures.
6. How To Make Any Knife Razor Sharp in 3 Minutes or Less!
Cast Blast Camp · 1.6M views · 2:14 · 2025
A very recent upload from 2025 that has already pulled in over 1.6 million views. Cast Blast Camp promises a razor edge in three minutes or less in a quick outdoor-flavored demonstration aimed at hunters, fishermen, and campers. Suits viewers who want speed and field relevance over theory.
7. The One Knife Sharpening Secret YOU Need to Know – It's Simple!
Walter Sorrells · 1.3M views · 11:39 · 2024
Bladesmith Walter Sorrells spends nearly 12 minutes on what he calls the single most overlooked step in sharpening. It's the closest thing here to a classroom-style talk from an expert, with his characteristic depth. Best for viewers who already have some experience and want to level up.
8. How to Sharpen ANY Knife RAZOR Sharp with Work Sharp Field Sharpener
Cornelius Creations · 1.2M views · 9:06 · 2022
Cornelius Creations demonstrates the Work Sharp Field Sharpener across a nine-minute video, showing a dull knife brought to a scary-sharp edge. As the tool's name suggests, this one leans toward portable, field-friendly sharpening. Good for viewers specifically interested in a guided field sharpener rather than freehand stones.
9. How To Sharpen A Knife In About 5 Minutes With ONE Stone | EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FAST! 2023
OUTDOORS55 · 1.2M views · 5:58 · 2023
The first of two OUTDOORS55 entries, this six-minute video promises everything a beginner needs to know about freehand sharpening with a single stone, fast. It's a focused, efficient demonstration with over a million views. A good fit if you want one stone and minimal gear.
10. How To Sharpen A Knife In Real Time | Knife Sharpening For Beginners
OUTDOORS55 · 545.2K views · 18:37 · 2024
The longest video on the list at over 18 minutes, OUTDOORS55 sharpens a knife in real time while narrating his process as he goes. The unedited pace makes it feel like sitting next to someone while they work. Best for beginners who want to see exactly how long each stage actually takes rather than a sped-up highlight reel.
Ranked by YouTube view count as of October 10, 2026. View counts move around, so the order here reflects the day this list was compiled. All videos belong to their respective creators – watching them here plays them directly from YouTube, so views and any ad revenue still go to the channel.
