Thread: storing hones underwater

Is there any reason that i can't permanently store my corundum waterstone hones underwater to use at any time?

You may want to put a small amount of bleach in your water to keep it from turning into swamp water.

What does the manufacturer reccomend. Some stones are fine to leave in a well and so it will ruin them. I would do some research on what is advised for that brand

I would think hard stones like that don't absorb water so why keep them under water?

ok i did a bit more research into similar hones and the result is that it depends on the quality of the stone, if its a cheapy then no, it will warp if left under water (it does something to the bonding agent and the stone doesn't work as intended). if its a good quality then go for it, it shouldn't do any harm.

I would think hard stones like that don't absorb water so why keep them under water?

it does a little bit. when i have tried to use it when it has been dry it has absorbed the water straight away, soak them for about 15 minutes and that doesn't happen, you get some surface water to push around with the razor. im just pretty inconsistent as to when i use the stones and lazy (i don't want to wait for 15 minutes!)

Originally Posted by dooey

ok i did a bit more research into similar hones and the result is that it depends on the quality of the stone, if its a cheapy then no, it will warp if left under water (it does something to the bonding agent and the stone doesn't work as intended). if its a good quality then go for it, it shouldn't do any harm.

it does a little bit. when i have tried to use it when it has been dry it has absorbed the water straight away, soak them for about 15 minutes and that doesn't happen, you get some surface water to push around with the razor. im just pretty inconsistent as to when i use the stones and lazy (i don't want to wait for 15 minutes!)

What Carbos are these ? Not all are usable for straight razors....

Never heard of soaking carbos with water. I remember the Carbo razors hones to be used with lather....Carborundum Razor Hone 118s, 201

Check out Gammas Site:
http://www.tomonagura.com/synthetic-...-razor-stones/

The only stone I know of that benefits from continual submersion in water is the Norton 4k single grit, or 4k/8k combo. I have the single grit variety and Norton tells you that it is not necessary to soak the 8k, but it is necessary to soak the 4k.

Rather than hang out for the 15 minutes suggested soak time, I got a rubbermaid container with a tight seal top, and I leave the 4k in the water 24/7. I don't hone that much anymore so it is probably unnecessary to do this now, but it isn't hurting anything. If it is left in a container without a tight seal you'll end up with slime at best, and algae at worst.