SHARPAL 156N: problems, parts and running costs

Checked: 2026-10-19

Summary

The 156N is a 6-inch dual-grit (325/1200) diamond bench stone that cuts fast and stays flat, but the coarse side can lose bite on hard super-steels, freehand technique is still required, and the 6-inch surface is short for long blades. It needs no water, oil or replacement plates, so running cost is effectively zero; the only paid extra is a $7.99 replacement Angle Pyramid guide. At street prices around $45-50 it is strong value as a first diamond stone.

Common problems and fixes

Coarse side loses bite — one roundup reports the coarse side can lose its bite after heavy use on hard super-steels. [6]
Freehand skill required — uneven bevels are a common beginner result without a steady hand. [6][7]
Short for long blades — the 6-inch surface is short for full-size chef’s knives and needs more strokes. [7]
Angle guide is not a jig — the Angle Pyramid only sets the angle (14, 17, 20 or 25 degrees); the rest is freehand. [5][6][7]
Metal filings oxidize — filings left on the surface can oxidize into yellow discoloration, so the stone needs wiping and dry storage. [2]
Sold out at SHARPAL — SHARPAL’s own store showed the 156N as sold out at check time. [1]

Parts and consumables

Replacement Angle Pyramid guide set — sold by SHARPAL for $7.99; replaces a lost guide. [1]

Yearly running cost

No yearly running cost beyond the purchase. The stone needs no water, oil, replacement plates or power; an optional strop or diamond compound is an owner upgrade, not a requirement. [4][6][10]

When it is a good buy

At $45.95 (Edgeworks), $49.38 (Knife Country USA) or $49.99 (SHARPAL store) at the October 2026 check: strong-to-fair value for a 6-inch dual-grit diamond bench stone with case and angle guide. [1][3][5]
At $45 or less street price: strong value as a first diamond stone for a home cook or DIYer. [5][6][7]
From $46 to $55: fair-to-good value; compare the larger 162N if stone length matters, since the family price gap is about $20. [1][3][4]
Above $55: weak value unless the 6 by 2.5 inch footprint or SHARPAL support specifically matters; larger dual-grit stones (162N) and guided systems become competitive. [1][4]

Alternatives:

162N (8 by 3 inches) — better if you sharpen long blades often or want more surface. [1][4]
DMT Dia-Sharp single-sided stone — better if you prefer one grit per stone, per owner comparisons. [9]
Guided system — better if you would rather not learn freehand angles. [6][7]