arkansas question

[pvicenzi]

I just added a translucent arkansas stone to my setup. Is mineral oil a good sharpening oil, or do I need to get the honing oil?

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Most quality 'honing oil' is mineral oil (Smith's 'honing solution' is an exception; I think it's a detergent-based solution). In fact, Norton sells a very good honing oil that's nothing but 100% mineral oil at a nice, light consistency/viscosity, and certified as food/kitchen-safe to boot. Home Depot carries it, alongside the Norton 'Economy' SiC stone they also carry.

The 'laxative grade' mineral oil sold in pharmaceutical sections at grocery/drug stores is a somewhat heavier (more viscous) oil; but it's often used in place of so-called 'honing oils', and it's pretty inexpensive as well. Could also use so-called 'baby oil', which is just mineral oil with a scent added.

'Sewing machine oil' and the stuff used for electric shavers/hair clippers is also just light mineral oil, and could be used just the same as the others mentioned. I've also seen it labelled & included as a lubricant for electric paper shredders (I have a bottle of it that came with my shredder). It's all just mineral oil, and any of them will work for use on sharpening stones.


David

 

[pvicenzi]

Thanks. That's pretty much what I thought, but I wasn't quite sure. I've been using mineral oil for years on my arkansas stones, but a 6X2.5X1inch thick hard translucent is a bit more of an investment, so I don't want to take chances.

 

[David Martin]

Yes, use mineral oil. For a good Translucent that size you had to shell out some paper. Good purchase. DM

 

[CSSA]

I've been using mineral oil with Arkansas bench stones, including a Black Hard Arkansas, with good results since the 1970s. I like to decant a few ounces of mineral oil into a squeeze bottle and use that as a dispenser.

 

[Sadden]

I just use water and sunlight soap.