| When learning how to sharpen knives, often one of | | | | the stone more effective at sharpening blades quickly, |
| the fist things to confuse people is whether oil or | | | | or helps to dissipate the heat caused by friction. |
| water are needed on sharpening stones. A sharpening | | | | Depending on the knife sharpener, you can lubricate |
| stone is one of the easiest way to sharpen your | | | | the surface with water, a water-based honing oil, or a |
| blades, whether you want to restore the sharp edge | | | | petroleum-based honing oil. You should choose one |
| on your kitchen cutlery or need to sharpen some | | | | type and stick with it, since the porous sharpening |
| woodworking tools. There are many varieties made of | | | | stone will absorb the lubricating fluid, making it difficult to |
| stone or any number of manufactured materials, and | | | | switch from one type of lubrication to another, |
| they are usually found in the form of a block. With | | | | particularly when starting with an oil-based lubricant |
| these and other types of knife sharpeners, you may | | | | rather than water. |
| or may not need to use any liquid, depending on the | | | | For best results, choose an oil that is designed |
| type of sharpener you have selected and its material. | | | | specifically for honing or sharpening. Though vegetable |
| When designed for use with lubricating liquid, a | | | | oil was once recommended for this purpose, it will turn |
| sharpening stone may be called a waterstone, | | | | gummy, clogging the pores in your sharpening stone |
| whetstone, or oilstone. When in doubt, read the | | | | over time. It may also turn rancid, requiring the |
| instructions. Some knife sharpeners are designed for | | | | replacement of your sharpener. Other suggestions for |
| use with a particular type of oil, while others are | | | | lubricating oils include mineral oil or machine oil, though |
| specifically designed for use without lubricating liquid. | | | | the best choice is honing oil that is designed for this |
| You should not lubricate a stone not designed to be | | | | purpose. |
| used when moist, and you should not use a | | | | When lubricating a sharpening stone using water, soak |
| waterstone or oilstone when it is dry, as each is | | | | the stone for at least ten minutes prior to sharpening |
| designed to be used in a particular manner. Some can | | | | your knives. Be generous with honing fluid. There |
| be used either wet or dry; generally, using such stones | | | | should be a pool visible on the surface of the stone as |
| wet is recommended, as it has several benefits during | | | | you are sharpening the blade. As the oil grows darker |
| the sharpening process. | | | | with use, wipe it off with a rag, and add more fluid. |
| The purpose of moistening the stone with water or oil | | | | When you're done using the sharpener, wipe it clean, |
| before use is to absorb the metal and stone dust | | | | letting it dry thoroughly before putting the stone away. |
| (sometimes referred to as 'swarf') that is created | | | | Over time, both oil and the dust of metal or stone |
| through the process of sharpening a blade. The liquid | | | | shavings may build up on the surface of the knife |
| keeps this debris from clogging the pores of the | | | | sharpener. You can use an old toothbrush to remove |
| sharpening stone. According to many, it also makes | | | | some of this residue. |