I bought a Gatco sharpening rig 2 years ago. Sharpened dozens of knives to shaving sharp (raise a burr on each side, gradually remove it, etc.). Life was good!
Then, bought a Sharpmaker. Although I still used the Gatco to raise the burr on each side, I found the Sharpmaker quicker for the finish work. Life was even better!
Then, I got busy at work, etc. and didn't sharpen anything for months, until a couple weeks ago. It took me over an hour to raise just one side of the burr
, and by the time I was done with that 4" folder, I decided I must have lost my interest in sharpening, or something.
Tonight, I decided to try again. I tried using an older stone with the Gatco rig (one that was almost worn out; the course stone). It removed metal like no tomorrow! I had a burr within minutes. So, I wondered, what gives?
It turned out that the old stone was, indeed, rougher! The newer one was as smooth as a baby's behind (well,
by comparison). I thought I had effectively scrubbed out the metal debris from the stones, but I guess not. I just spent 20 mins with a Brillo pad, then rinsing/scrubbing with my forefinger on the stones. I think the "smooth" stones are now rougher, but...
After all that babble, does anyone have suggestions as to an effective (and, uh, quicker) way to to get those sharpening stones clean of debris -- so they'll actully sharpen in my lifetime?
Thanks
Then, bought a Sharpmaker. Although I still used the Gatco to raise the burr on each side, I found the Sharpmaker quicker for the finish work. Life was even better!
Then, I got busy at work, etc. and didn't sharpen anything for months, until a couple weeks ago. It took me over an hour to raise just one side of the burr

Tonight, I decided to try again. I tried using an older stone with the Gatco rig (one that was almost worn out; the course stone). It removed metal like no tomorrow! I had a burr within minutes. So, I wondered, what gives?
It turned out that the old stone was, indeed, rougher! The newer one was as smooth as a baby's behind (well,

After all that babble, does anyone have suggestions as to an effective (and, uh, quicker) way to to get those sharpening stones clean of debris -- so they'll actully sharpen in my lifetime?
Thanks