SHARPAL 168H: problems, parts and running costs
Checked: 2026-10-14
Summary
The 168H’s problems are omissions and wear, not failures: it ships without a storage case, the coarse face cuts more aggressively than its 325-grit rating suggests, and diamond plating wear is the eventual failure mode with no published lifespan. It costs nothing per year to run — the diamond surface needs no flattening and honing oil is optional — and no source quantifies a yearly figure. It is a solid buy at or under $44.99 and weak value above $65.
Common problems and fixes
- No storage case — the stone ships without one; only a non-slip pad is included, and the compatible 160H base is sold separately. Fix: buy the 160H base or reuse the 162N case with the anti-slip pad on top; there is no warranty claim for a missing case. [2][3]
- Diamond plating wear is the eventual failure mode — no expected plating life has been published, so plan for eventual replacement; the stone carries a 3-year warranty. [3]
- No independent instrumented test — no established outlet has measured cutting rate, edge quality or flatness, so the specs are unverified by a lab. [1][3]
- Water is ruled out — use the stone dry or with honing oil; water breaks the usual water-stone habit and is not recommended. [1][2][3]
Parts and consumables
Yearly running cost
No consumables are required. The diamond surface needs no flattening, so there is no flattening plate or lapping plate to buy; honing oil is optional and no price is given. No source quantifies a yearly figure.
When it is a good buy
SHARPAL’s own store lists the 168H at $44.99 (October 2026) and Chef Knives To Go at $45.00 (October 2026). [2][3]
- At or under $44.99 it is a solid value: a large 8 × 3 in surface, no flattening upkeep, a 3-year warranty and the included Angle Pyramid guide. [1][3]
- $45.00 to $65 is fair value; compare against other 8 × 3 in diamond plates. [3]
- Above $65 the value weakens; stones with longer track records become the safer pick unless you specifically want this ecosystem. [3]
Alternatives: DMT and Naniwa 8 × 3 in diamond plates are the better choice if you want an established track record or independent test data. [3]