Do You Clean Your Ceramic Rods .... If So How?

W

Witterings

Joined
Mar 13, 2012
Messages
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Pretty much as the title says, I was shocked a couple of years bck, had a file that thought was the next best thing to totally useless until when looking for a new one I saw an advert for a file card, didn't know what it was, looked it up and went and found an unused BBQ brush I had and ran it over the file .... was completely blown away with the transformation.

I guess ceramic / diamond rods like the Lansky Turnbox and Spyderco Sharp Maker must also get clogged up with gunk making them less effectve. Do you clean yours and if so how, I was thinking of just grabbing a nail brush and scrubbing them under running water, if this is a good idea and would you use any dish soap as well or not?
 
Spyderco used to advise a powdered cleaner like Ajax (I use Barkeeper's Friend, the paste version works well too) and a toothbrush or scouring pad. At least for a while I think Spyderco also said you could just toss 'em in the dishwaser. I've done that before too, seems to work just as well.
 
As others have already said, comet or BKF work wonders. I've had my lansky turn box since August of 2005 (I specifically remember this because I got them at Bass pro after seeing Larry the cable guy at the New York State Fair before starting my senior year). Scouring powder of some sort has kept them in fighting trim since then.
 
Use WD-40. They will wipe off clean. I just spray it on a paper towel and wipe the rod or my flat stone. Works great!
 
I use Comet powder (like Ajax or BKF) on a Scotchbrite pad, or make a paste of the Comet+water in my hand and scrub it in my hand, rolling the crock sticks against each other.

This really cleans them up, especially the white (fine) ones.
 
Dishwasher soap, dish brush, and a towel.

Never gets them perfectly white (I can see a bit of the residual steel leftover) but it's good enough for me.
 
Same here. Bar Keeper and a scrub sponge. My honing rod is one of the huge kitchen jobbers.

It's not dishwasher safe. That's all I need is for the ceramic to get pitted. With a pit snagging the edge. If that happens. My honing rod is trashed.

Mine gets hung up. Never sees a drawer and nothing is close to bang into it or rub it. I treat it like a precision tool. Even though it was $25 bucks.
 
Hmmm. Pencil eraser.

If you guys wanna try something different. Do the same as I do for cleaning GBN stones. Sanding belt eraser from harbor freight and 70-90% rubbing alcohol.
 
Comet, Ajax, or Barkeeper’s friend all work great. I’ve used baking soda and water, and even toothpaste in a pinch.
 
Another that uses Bar Keepers Friend (the powder not the liquid) yes, it makes a difference.
 
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