Contaminating waterstones from oil on the blade

[thesledge]

Hey guys,

I'm about 99.9% sure that this is of no concern, but my paranoia compelled me to ask! Any chance of contaminating a waterstone with protective oil on a blade?

Not sure why I'm even asking, as I'd be hard-pressed to degrease my blades before sharpening, but humor me

 

[Wowbagger]

No . . . I hear you.
The Japanese are known for both their fine water stones and the use of Camellia oil on their cutting tools.
I don't like camellia oil and have stopped using it. It is very dry here so I can get away with not constantly wiping the blades, both in use and for storage.

I would say that before you sharpen just wash the blade under the faucet with hot water and soap.
Here is a flyer . . . I would say that since water displaces oil it shouldn't be much of a problem.
Meaning oil floats on water.
Unless the stone is dry then it is going to soak in obviously.
Splash the stone or soak it depending on what is required for the particular stone and you should be good to go.
At the very least wipe off the blade well before sharpening but if you have enough water around to use a water stone chances are you can use some hot water to wash the blade with some soap.

 

[swonut]

I'd say none whatsoever. If there were much oil at all, it would be way less than a drop, and if that came off, then the oil would float on the water since the stone is wetted out before you put the blade on it. Don't overthink it, it's just rocks and glue. Worse case put some dish soap on the stone and further get rid of the oils. If I had to bet, there's probably more oil on your hands than on the knife blade.

 

[Wowbagger]

In this photo on the left there is a bottle with yellowish oil in it and next to it is a squat dauber like applicator for the oil. This is what the Japanese workers use to coat most all of their knives, chisels, plane blades and saws. I have never come across any case where all this oil has caused a problem with the water stones. Now the other stuff in the photo are various waxes to reduce friction while cutting. I wouldn't want wax on my water stones.