Replies

1. 
   roc | Oct 21, 2008 11:26am | #1

   I hate these things and swear by water stones but some like the oil stones. Kerosene should clean it up. I read the other day here detergent transmission fluid ( have not tried that myself yet).

   Consider getting a diamond plate to flatten the oil stone on. Some use sandpaper on flat surface.

   What does anyone else think of using the Zep citrus solvent on it? I bet that would break down the old waxy oil in the stone. Takes water to wash it off though.

   Some where I read about wrapping up the stones in cloth and baking the gunk out but sounds like a great way to start a fire. Yah here it is : From the David Boye book Step-By-Step Knifemaking.

   Cleaning the Wetstone
   . . . Periodically wash the stone in soap and water, or use a solvent and a rag. Occasionally, it may be necessary to clean the pores of the stone if they are clogged up. To do this, soak the stone in kerosene, wrap tightly in a towel and bake in a slow oven (250° F).

   I bet he means a shop oven not your kitchen oven but the guy knows his stuff.

   thats all I got. I say chuck it in the bin and get water stones.

   Edited 10/21/2008 4:29 am by roc

   
   

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   Edited 10/21/2008 4:31 am by roc

1. 
   philip | Oct 21, 2008 12:41pm | #2

   Roc,
   Actually, I believe Ray is talking about a water stone, as these were used by Grandpappy to hone up the old cut throat razor.
   Here is a picture of one I have, and I flattened only one side as both were so badly dished that to do them both would make the stone very thin. I use a coarse diamond plate. The stone gives a mighty fine edge to any high carbon blade such as a pocket knife that is already reasonably sharp.Philip Marcou

   
1. 
   roc | Oct 21, 2008 01:30pm | #4

   ah
   pardon; I was assuming black Arkansas stones are always used with "oil". In that case, as the Saturday Night Live person (was it Church Lady?) used to say :"Neeevvveeerrr miiinnnd".

1. 
   wilburpan | Oct 21, 2008 08:44pm | #6

   In that case, as the Saturday Night Live person (was it Church Lady?) used to say :"Neeevvveeerrr miiinnnd".======That would be Emily Litella, played by Gilda Radner."What's all this I hear about endangered feces??!??!":@)

1. 
   roc | Oct 21, 2008 08:49pm | #7

   Ha, ha, ha, aaahhhh, Ha, ha, ha

2. 
   philip | Oct 21, 2008 12:46pm | #3

   Ray,
   See the picture of one I showed to Roc. If I were you I would wash it in cold water with a dish washing detergent , then straighten it out with a coarse diamond plate, which will true it up and re-condition the stone to cut well again. This is better than using anothe r stone or sand paper, which seem to glaze these very smooth stones.Since it is a natural stone, and fine grained, I would use it with water and not any solvent or light oil such as kerosene.

   Philip Marcou
1. 
   Ray | Oct 21, 2008 04:15pm | #5

   Thanks, Phillip

   The one I have is 5-1/4 inches long, 2 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick.  Except for a couple of small chips on one edge, it's in pristine condition.  I was hoping to clean it up and use it, just didn't want to ruin the stone in the cleaning process.

   Ray

3. 
   Napie | Oct 21, 2008 09:50pm | #8

   I use only oil stones and have no use for waterstones at all, just my personal preference.  If it is a hard black Arkansas you have a great find.  I prefer WD-40 for honing oil, cheap and easy to use.  Spay it down and scrub with a scotchbrite and it’ll be fine.  Pair it with a hard white Arkansas and add a cheap 6” high speed grinder and your tools will always have a great hollow grind and a keen edge.  Use no jigs and welcome to sharpening unencumbered by excess technology.

4. 
   gb93433 | Oct 22, 2008 09:01am | #9

   Oilstones can be flattened by using a lapping plate and an abrasive powder.