Just ordered my first set of Japanese water stones, w00t!

[Magnaminous_G]

After watching both Murray Carter sharpening DVDs and watching a lot of YouTube videos (including our own Knifenut and Crimsontideshooter), I've decided to take the plunge and enter the realm of water stones. My only previous experience is ceramic (spyderco bench stones) and DMT diamonds. I've used Arkansas stones, but that doesn't count as it happened a long time ago when I was a kid and didn't know what the heck I was doing. I bought the adjustable base (you can see it in Knifenut's videos) and Arashiyama stones (1000 and 6000). Can't wait for them to arrive!

Questions:

1. For the first time using the stones, is there any special prep needed?
2. How long is it advisable to soak the stones before starting your sharpening? Is it possible to soak for too long?

Thanks,

Mag

 

[Jason B.]

1. Nope

2. 10 minutes and no... but i wouldn't soak for a long time then let dry repeatedly because that can cause problems. Also NO direct sunlight when drying.

If you want to leave them in water that is probably best, mine have been under water for almost 2 years.