Oilstone Questions

[CStreet_Butcher]

Can India, Crystolon, and Arkansas stones be used dry? Better yet, what would you gents recommend when it comes "lubricating" the stone if any at all before initial sharpening? I've read where some use oil, some other means, some dry as a bone. And can some sandpaper and a glass surface be used to flatten and clean these stones if the situation ever dictated so? Also can you boil a stone to take the oil out then use it dry as if it were not charged with oil to begin with. Thanks for any information.

 

[Ben Dover]

Can India, Crystolon, and Arkansas stones be used dry? Better yet, what would you gents recommend when it comes "lubricating" the stone if any at all before initial sharpening? I've read where some use oil, some other means, some dry as a bone. And can some sandpaper and a glass surface be used to flatten and clean these stones if the situation ever dictated so? Also can you boil a stone to take the oil out then use it dry as if it were not charged with oil to begin with. Thanks for any information.

I don't personally use oilstones, so be aware that I am giving you second person information. Several of my acquaintences who have used them for decades have achieved better results with water than either dry, or with oil. In reference to your question about "boiling" the oil out, I'll leave that one for those who have actual "hands on" experience with them.

You can flatten virtually any sharpening stone with sandpaper and flat glass. My best results have been achieved with 3M wet/dry sandpaper used wet, and rinsed often.