How To "clean" Norton tri stones?

cnm123

cnm123

Joined
Sep 7, 2015
Messages
1,429
I've gotten a Norton tri stone that was in a professional kitchen for the last few years.
The cooks had been using vegetable, olive or any old oil that was sitting around as "honing oil"
The stones feel pretty gummed up.
Can I just soak and wash with hot soapy water? or do I need a solvent or de-greaser to revitalize them?

Are they even worth messing with?
 
When I received mine, I don’t think it had been used in the previous 10 years, it was so gummed up I could not distinguish between any of the stones. A quick brush down with mineral spirits and a stiff nylon brush and it was literally good as new.
 
I've had real good success with Lacquer thinner. It evaporates quickly. So, pour on a teaspoon and have your wire brush handy and scrub
4-5 back and forth strokes, then wipe with a cloth. Continue this pattern until the stone is clean. You'll be surprised how fast it works.
Now, let me address your new Norton 313 system. 3fifty7 and I have the 313 system and we really like it. That system would cost you over 200$ to get it to your door. So, spending some time to clean the stones is worth it. If the stones are dished, the screws on the side bracket will allow you to remove the stones. See if the bottom side of those stones are dished. Clean both sides. The stones are coarse 120 grit, the med. is 200 grit, both of these are SiC grit and grey. The reddish/ orange stone is a fine India at 350-400 grit. Plenty fine enough for a knife (kitchen or hunting use). These stones are very large and allow you a lot of room to work your knife. Be glad you got this system and I think you'll enjoy it. There are upgrade stones available for it. DM
 
View attachment 1039853 The organic oils will oxidize and get gummy. Refill the base with USP mineral oil up to the fill line. You can get this at a pharmacy or butcher supply store. When reassembling the triangular prism, hold the stones in place with broccoli rubber bands while tightening the retention strips. When I am using the “rig”, I wash the stones with oil and an auto parts brush. When the swarf and glaze are loosened, I squeegee the dirty oil over the side with a rubber kitchen spatula. When sharpening, I remove most of the oil from the grinding surface with the squeegee.
The stones can be flattened with Silcon Carbide powder and a glass plate. The stones can also be replaced with new ones.
 
Tiguy, I don't recall you posting your 313 much. Glad you have it and enjoy using it. Some good tips. DM
 
View attachment 1040018 More recently I have been using the Norton 2 1/2 X 11 1/2 X 1/2 stones on my home made jig. I clean the stones over a plastic shoe storage box which has about 1” of USP mineral oil in the bottom. I drain the stones on end on a rack before using them on the jig.
 
Last edited:
I thought I'd post some WIP pics on cleaning this.
This is what I'm starting with:
2Ls5tbN.jpg

hTkw2lJ.jpg

WIvAUWa.jpg

ydkLD3A.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top