Ink/branding stamp on the surface of stones — how to remove?

OhioApexing

OhioApexing

Sharpener
Joined
Apr 17, 2018
Messages
235
I recently picked up a 6x1 Spyderco Ultra Fine for my edge pro. Unlike the full sized benchstones directly from Spyderco, these have name branding stamped onto the surface with ink. Like these here: https://jendeindustries.com/1x4-spyderco-stones-kme-sharpener.html

The problem is, I can feel the ink on the stone when sharpening, which obviously means that the edge is contacting the ink, not the surface of the stone. I haven’t felt it on other stones. Im also noticing that I’m getting inconsistent angles in the bevel, similar to what happens when my Shapton Glass Stones need flattened.

Because they’re ceramics, I know I can’t just go at it with a diamond plate, as the surface finish is what gives it its micron rating. Basically, the stone will take on the abrasive size of whatever you use to lap it.

Anyone have experience?
 
If it is just an ink of some kind, you might try acetone (removes some inks, like Sharpie, real well), or mineral spirits to remove it or at least thin it enough that it's not getting in the way of sharpening. It might also be scrubbed away (maybe gradually, over time) with a mild kitchen abrasive cleaner like Comet or Ajax, which won't do any harm to the ceramic itself. Barring that, I'd bet it'd be removed over time with just some regular sharpening jobs. I doubt it'll continue to be a significant obstacle to sharpening, over much time.

If the stone isn't flat enough to be consistent on the EP, that alone might be justification for sending them back for replacement or refund. If you do decide to send them back, it obviously wouldn't be worthwhile to waste time trying to remove the ink, beforehand.

With questions about the ink or the flatness, it may be worth contacting the vendor anyway, to ask about what it takes to remove the ink, or even if it actually poses a longer-term problem. If it does, I'd think they'd probably have dealt with it in one way or another, else they'd have an awful lot of unhappy customers.
 
Based on the images, it just looks like ink ink, not like a screenprinting-type goop or anything. I expect you're not actually feeling the ink and may be feeling machining marks instead?
 
If it is a goo solvent may wash more into the stone than off it.
 
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