Norton Crystolon Pike –vs- India Oil Stone

S

SAK

Joined
Sep 28, 2001
Messages
508
I am going to be placing an order with Smoky Mountain Knife Works and wanted to include one of these stones:
  • Norton® 175th Anniversary 8" Crystolon Pike Stone
  • Norton® 175th Anniversary 8" India Oil Stone
Can someone compare the two stones? What are the differences in how they work?

I know the India stone has been highly recommended here, but it comes pre-oiled. I would prefer not to use oil.

Thanks,
-SAK
 
I would go with the India stone. It is larger, that is a plus, and will put a finer edge on your knives. The Crystolon is better for reshaping edges, that is removing a lot of material, but will not put up a very good cutting edge. Also, the India you mentioned does have a fine India on one side and course India on the other. You could use the course side when reshaping is needed. Both of these stones are pre-filled with oil and the Norton factory, and both should be used with a VERY light oil, or, even better, kerosene. 100% pure, smokeless, odorless lampoil (have it at Kmart) is the best I've used. Wayne Goddard explains it like this: Oil is a lubricant. It's purpose is to keep metal from touching something--your stone in this case. Therefore, sharpening with oil is sort of defeating the purpose. Kerosene is a cutting fluid. It keeps the stone wet and thus free of metal particles that can clog it, but it also lets your blade contace the stone, for fast, accurate sharpening. Some like to play with a mix of kerosene and mineral oil--you can then adjust the speed/aggressiveness of the stone's cutting action.

Fine India users include Wayne Goddard, Ed Fowler, Ed Caffrey, Jerry Fisk, and many others whose knives cut very well.

Good luck,

John
 
Both are either going to be pure light mineral oil, pure kerosene, or a mixture of the two. If you want to pay big $$ for little bottles, go with Buck or Norton. Otherwise, see my first post.

John
 
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