Thread: Honing using glycerin?

Hey guys,

So I have just finished a honing session, and I am a little excited. I did some searches to find out if there were any alternatives to Honing oil, as I do not like the idea of using oil whilst honing for a number of reasons.

1) It smells
2) There are consequences of I spill it.
3) If I get it on my waterstones they are screwed.

The alternative I found was in a post by glen, he talked about smiths honing solution. This is a non-petroleum based lubricant with rust prevention agents.
The problem is that it is hard to get here in the UK. After further searching I found some ideas that glycerin can be used on oilstones. Glycerin is water soluble (so it won't ruin your water stones), biodegradable (so it is green) and real cheap!
I bought some glycerin for £1.50, and some methylated spirits to make the solution a bit thinner. After honing using this I have to say I have had my best honing results ever.

I used 3 parts glycerin and one part methylated spirits (I am going to add more spirits to make it thinner next time).

What I was wondering is if anybody else had tried (or is willing to try) this lubrication method and to see if they find the same.

If you search glycerin on this forum most add it to their shaving soaps, or use it as a treatment, so it could be added in other places too.
What do y'all think?

Thanks

Carl