Who here like to use natural stones?

[BJE]

I like to use natural stones to sharpen with because I like the feedback they give me and I also enjoy the way they look. I find the history fascinating and like to learn as much as possible about them. The fact that the stone I am using is probably older than the very first knife is interesting and is almost a hard concept to grasp. I like the Arkansas stones especially well but other stones share some of my attention. Synthetics may be more efficiant, but I like to take the time to sharpen my knives on a peice of history. So, how many of you like to use natural stones, which are you favorites and why?

 

[Phydeaux]

My mom got me a Washita stone when I was in high school. She got it because the colors were pretty and it looked nice. It still works great 35 years later......

I use that and a Norton combo India stone, about the same vintage as the Washita stone.

Ric

 

[drail]

I use Washita stones because I like a slightly toothy edge. (And they do have pretty colors.) But they do require flattening after enough use with curved blades. The only type of stone I have found better is diamond. I used to always use oil on the Washita stones but recently I bought a couple of new ones and tried using just water and it seems to be working very nicely. The range of colors in the Washita stones is amazing.

 

[BJE]

I just use mine dry and wipe the residue off with my finger, I don't ever have to do alot of sharpening on mine, just touch ups, because I either don't let my knives get dull or if they are I use my India stone. I have had success with water but I will not use oil, I don't want to have to use oil forever and that is just too much of a commitment. I wish Norton didn't treat their Pike and India stones with oil so I could use water.