Sharpmaker,ceramics clean-up

C

crittergetter

Joined
Oct 18, 2001
Messages
16
I just bought myself a Sharpmaker. In reading the instructions for cleaning it says use cleanser and scouring pad. I have other ceramic hones and diamond stones that I clean with "Scrubbing Bubbles" sink cleaner.It seems the foaming action floats the steel particales off the surface. Has anyone else tried this? Or am I doing some damage to my stuff. On regular stones oil isn't used for a lube it's to float the particles up out of the stone. Any commets?
 
I doubt those little abrasive particles in the cleanser and scouring pad will damage the ceramic stones.

That's what I use, they get my stones plenty clean.
 
using the cleanser will probably make them last longer. The whole idea is to remove the metal particles so the sharpener can work to its potential, using something less abrasive will make it last longer, if it works keep using it!!!

I use dishawshing detergent and a scouring pad (fine abrasive) with warm water in a sink.
 
crittergetter :

[Scrubbing Bubbles]

Or am I doing some damage to my stuff.
Click to expand...

Ceramics are very inert, meaning they resist reaction very strongly and are very insensitive to changes in temperature. You will wear the hone down by the action on your knives far greater than you will with any household cleaner. I frequently use Comet and a scotchbrite pad.

-Cliff
 
Well, in these parts I would not admit to using "scrubbing bubbles" on anything unless you frequent the Blue Rainbow room.

THat being said, I think Comet cleanser and a scotchbrite pad work great on ceramic. It is suprising how fast the build up is, and the difference clean stones make.
 
I've been using brillo pads -- those steel metal pads pre-charged with cleanser -- for a long time. My sharpmaker stones are all fine. BTW, steel wool pads with cleanser work faster than those hard plastic pads w/ cleanser.

Joe
 
I'm with Eric on this one. I use scotch-brite and soft scrub, and it really does make a difference on the performance of the sharpmaker.
 
When you start to notice your Sharpmaker strokes getting smoother, it's time to scrub a bit with the pads. Sometimes I just wipe off the metal with a finger, since I have to wipe multiple times during sharpening.

It immediately makes the rods "grabbier", meaning they're actually removing metal and not just pushing the burr around like a steel.
 
I use abrasive sink cleanser, not scrubbing bubbles that are more of a detergent. I like Bartender's Friend stainless steel sink cleanser the best. It seems to get the steel out of hones better than anything else.
 
I have ink rubber eraser kept in the box for quick'n'dirty use, and use scouring pad and powder when I have the time to really clean it. I have also dressed the corners of the triangles with rough diamond stone. Because the rods came with nicks on the corners, because of my location, had to dispense with the warranty claim.
 
Aseper abrasive eraser type block I picked up at Chesapeake knife and tool for 2 bucks. It will actually put a brushed finish on blades is so abrasive but one swipe on your ceramic rods and its pure white again.

On a side note I can't get my brown Sharpmaker stones clean at all.
 
Originally posted by Joe Talmadge
I've been using brillo pads -- those steel metal pads pre-charged with cleanser -- for a long time.
Joe
Click to expand...

Long enough to remember cleaning white wall tires with them?
 
The metal deposits on your ceramic sharpening rods must be removed periodically for best performance.While kitchen scouring powder will remove most of the build up, A.G.Russell www.agrussell.com recommends RUST ERASER part # CR-BL for $4.95 each.
 
This makes me feel awfully plebian, but I've been getting great results with dishwasher soap and the rough side of a sponge.
 
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