OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

265047 Chuck Taylor 2018‑02‑07 Re: Stone
Ed,

Belgian coticules are highly prized by those who hone straight razors. Like
Japanese water stones, there are natural and manufactured coticules, with the
former commanding higher prices.

As for using water vs. oil on a sharpening stone, the only answer I've heard
that makes any sense is that oil would adversely affect the binders (natural or
otherwise) that hold the particles of a water stone together. I've been told
that oil will ruin a water stone. Never tried it myself.

You can use soapy water on an oil stone with no problem. I've done it. I was at
a class once and the fellow at the next bench objected to the odor of the
kerosene I was using as a honing oil on my Arkansas stones. I switched to water
with a little dish detergent added. Worked fine. Now I use mineral oil or baby
oil from the drug store.

==snip==
The Berea oil stone I showed a couple of days ago says “for use with oil or
water”.  I have never used water on a stone.  What happens?  IS there too much
swarf for oil to get rid of??
==unsnip==


Chuck Taylor
north of Seattle

Recent Bios FAQ