Water stone questions

D

Don M

Joined
Apr 30, 2000
Messages
846
The other day I went into a woodworking shop and saw several brands of water stones (King and Norton). I have never used a water stone, although I have wondered if that's what I wanted to get a nice polish on my blades.

Suggestions on the merits of the different brands, as well as grit to use? How much more polished can I get an edge with, say, a 4000 grit water stone than I can with an Arkansas stone or an EF DMT?
 
I have a Edge Pro which uses water stones but they came up with polishing tape which I just looked up because I couldn't remember the grit. They show it being 3000 grit.

No water is used with the tape. It produces a mirror-like finish and a razor sharp edge. So, I'd "guess" that a 4000 grit "should" produce a even better edge unless the use of water is negative!

Using the Edge Pro, you finish off by using the stone dry to remove the hair burr.
 
Hi Don,

I use Japanese waterstones myself, although I've had then so long I can't remember the make.

The three grits I use are:-

800 I only use this stone when my blade edge has been damaged as it really is an aggressive stone.

1200 medium stone.

6000 very fine stone.

When using the 800 and 1200 stones they should be completely soaked in water before use. The 6000 stone only needs a sprinkling of water on it I then take a nagura stone which can be bought with your waterstones and rub this up and down the 6000 grit stone until a slurry is built up then I start to hone the blade on it.

I must admit that I also strop my knife blade after using the waterstones and then very lightly draw the blade down a fine crock stick, just once to give the edge a little "toothiness".

If you do purchase some waterstones get some nice big bench stones at least 6"x2".

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Tony.
 
Hey TonyC, Did you get those waterstones in the uk? I am interested in getting some decent bench stones and I would be grateful if you told me where you got them from. :)
 
Hi Steelfury,

Sorry I didn't post this sooner I just forgot to have a look at this post recently.

I got my Japanese Waterstones and Nagura stones from Axminster Tools. I'm afraid I can't find their phone number but they are on the web. Just do a search on Google. The set of stones I bought aren't listed on their website but give them a ring as I'm sure they still keep them in stock.

Good luck,

Cheers,
Tony.
 
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