Keeping your sharpening tools clean - Diamond stones

bgentry said:
Just about everything about cleaning has been covered here. I thought I'd chime in with my experience of using DMT DiaSharp dry versus with water. I originally used them dry and they worked fine. The more coarse grits seemed to kind of stick and bump and alternately slip when I used them. It still worked, but the surface didn't seem consistent. This was mainly on the XXC.

Then I decided to try water with a drop or two of dish soap in it (to break the surface tension and spread out the water). WOW what a difference! The feel becomes much more pleasant (to me) and it's much easier to move the blade against the stone. I haven't used them dry since trying them lubed with water. They also seem to just rinse clean with no issues at all. I got a little surface rust on the edge of one of them (the side, not the cutting surface) and started paying more attention to drying them thoroughly before locking them in a toolbox.

Brian.
Click to expand...

I've noticed coarser grits really seem to load up & clog fast, if used dry; especially with softish stainless steels. I'm convinced that using some dish soap & water to lube them during a sharpening session goes a long way in preventing the 'gummy' stainless swarf from sticking to the hone and clogging it up. As you noticed, they really feel smoother and they cut much more cleanly as well. Using mineral oil seems to work in a similar fashion, though the soap & water is much easier to clean up.


David
 
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I'm another one that uses diamond stones dry, and occasionally washes them with dish soap, warm water, and a brush. Some air drying and they're perfect.
 
I picked up a nail brush from the dollar store, works better/faster than a toothbrush. I also use dish soap and water for clean up.
 
+1 on the BKF for set-in stuff. As for regular cleanup after normal use, dawn ultra and water with a nylon brush (or just your finger) should do it!
 
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