Edge Pro Stones

[ricklee4570]

In Ben's videos, he squirts a little water on the stones and then wipes it with a cloth before sharpening.

I have read where some people literally soak the stones in water 30 minutes (or longer) before using them.

Is there any advantage to filling a bowl with water and soaking the stones verses using a minimal amount of water like is shown on the videos?

 

[stitchawl]

Some people believe that soaking the stones causes a shorter life-span. I guess it depends on who makes the stone and what is used as a binder. I don't store my EdgePro stones in water but I do use them very wet.

Following the methodology of the Japanese sword sharpeners that I've watched, they keep their stones very, very wet when using them. Many of them store their stones in water. In use, they throw on a good handful of water after every 3-4 strokes of the blade against the stone.

Oddly enough, all the Master Sharpeners I've watched in Seki City have rather dished stones! They don't seem bothered by a stone with a 1/4" dip in the middle, and somehow manage to get their swords and knives razor sharp with a mirror finish. I'll be damned if I can figure out how!


Stitchawl