Abstract: In order to achieve precision in sharpening, particularly for dental instruments, a sharpening device includes a base having a generally upwardly extending hand grip portion wherein the base is adapted to be position on a generally horizontal supporting surface. The sharpening device also includes a sharpening stone or the like operatively associated with the base together with a retainer for removably retaining the sharpening stone in at least one angular position relative to the generally horizontal supporting surface.

Abstract: In order to achieve precision in sharpening, particularly for dental instruments, a sharpening device includes a base having a generally upwardly extending hand grip portion wherein the base is adapted to be position on a generally horizontal supporting surface. The sharpening device also includes a sharpening stone or the like operatively associated with the base together with a retainer for removably retaining the sharpening stone in at least one angular position relative to the generally horizontal supporting surface. Further, a method of sharpening a dental instrument having a cutting edge defined by a face and lateral side is disclosed. The sharpening method includes providing a support for a sharpening stone at a preselected angle to a horizontal plane and then holding the dental instrument with one hand while also holding the support with the other hand.