Spyderco ceramic stones - lifespan and upkeep

[CapitalizedLiving]

Hey all...

I have the Spyderco Profile set and have used it for years. It has accumulated a bit of metal despite cleaning it after each use. I haven't noticed a decline in its usability but I imagine after some time it will cease to work properly. Does anyone know how long these typically last? And also, are there any suggestions for getting them clean again?

Thank you!

 

[Barman1]

I don't know about Spyderco's ceramic but I've got a set of ceramic rods from a Buck set that I've been using pretty much every day since I bought them back in 1985 and after a cleaning they work just like new.
I'd expect Spyderco's to last just as long.

 

[CapitalizedLiving]

Excellent, thank you! I was hoping that was the case, these things are expensive....

 

[farnorthdan]

Try using some barkeepers or comet and a scotch bright pad.

 

[straightwalls]

My Spyderco ceramics are doing very well after several years of use, I just scrub them with soap, water and a synthetic brush or scrub pad and they seem to get quite clean with the exception of some greyness in the most heavily used areas, I have yet to try a more aggressive cleaning method. I have a medium grit brown coloured triangular, a fine grit white contoured rectangular for serrations, and recently the "ducks foot" large stone and have been very pleased with the performance of all of these.

 

[Guest5160]

+1 on the Barkeepers friend. You can find it with the Comet powder bleach in stores. That stuff is like magic on the white ceramic rods. Just dip the green scrubby side of a wet sponge in the powder and scrub the stone.

 

[straightwalls]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Definitely going to try this on my ceramics, thanks.

 

[Fred Sanford]

+1 on the Barkeepers friend. You can find it with the Comet powder bleach in stores. That stuff is like magic on the white ceramic rods. Just dip the green scrubby side of a wet sponge in the powder and scrub the stone.

I have a set of the 701 Profiles from Spyderco. I clean them just like this. I've had them since 2007 and they are still like new. I use them a few times a month.

 

[Lee48]

I've had one Sharpmaker since 1990 and the rods are still good. A newer model (with the 30 degree angle) is used more these days. It gets a workout several times a week...rods still work great. I clean them when they get really filled up with metal, not after each use. Barkeeper's Friend or Comet both do a good job. I also use a Double Stuff for quick touch ups and I clean it the same way.

I've been considering buying a set of Spyderco benchstones but the price keeps getting in the way. I really like ceramics but I only have Arkansas and diamond benchstones.

 

[CapitalizedLiving]

Thanks everyone! Barkeeper's Friend it is. I will be extra thorough and see if any residual debris comes off.

 

[yablanowitz]

I think you'll be pleased with it. BKF contains oxalic acid which Comet and such do not, it does a much better job of removing steel residue.

According to what Sal has posted in the past, the brown ceramic rods are frangible and will eventually wear out, although the process should take many years. The white rods should last until you manage to break them.

 

[brownshoe]

I replaced my grey ones after 10-15 years and noticed a slight difference.