Thread: Can i use oil on a water stone?

When it comes to modern day "resin" based water stones, I would have a real concern with any type of oil compromising the resin bond.

Vitrified stones would not care, but it would be very difficult to go back to water after using oil.

The general idea is not to use oil on porous or "special" -do not use with oil- stones. It will penetrate into the pores, and then it's difficult to get it out.
If your stone is very soft, or has an uneven particle size and you rely on its glazed surface for honing, you could use that kind of stone with oil.
As for speed, edge keenness and how long the stone will last, it's a trade-off. The stone used with oil will be slower, leave a finer edge, and last longer, since the friction between the stone and the steel is lighter with oil compared to water. Oil does not guarantee that the stone won't get clogged contrary to popular belief, I have seen it with the 1$ Chinese stones that were used with oil and cleaned afterwards, many times (but I don't have sufficient experience with Arkansas stones).
It's also harder to lap an oilstone, not a good idea to use a diamond plate to lap an oilstone, and sandpaper might leave stray grit into your stone that would otherwise be cleaned under running water.
Yes, you can use a coticule with oil, or a fresh Arkansas with water just fine. And, if you are wondering what would be more suitable for your stone, get a bottle of Smith's solution. It feels just like oil, and you can wash it afterwards without any problems, on any stone, I love it and use it on almost all of my finishers.