Thread: Arkansas Stones - Oil or water?

I use oil with my Arkansas stones. Lately, it's been olive oil.

Originally Posted by CamMorris

Just wondering about the general consensus was for honing with Ark stones, I know they are traditionally "oil stones" but wondered what the master-honers here were using. Ive tried it with both, I feel like I get better feedback with water and wonder about oil plugging up the pores? I also finding it a pain switching back and forth with different stones during a honing session.
What do you guys use?
Thanks!

I use one of a light machine oil (sewing machine oil is an example),
Dan's honing oil or common baby lotion/oil. Dawn, Even WD-40...

https://www.smithsproducts.com/4oz-p...oning-solution

There are a lot of choices...
There are a lot of tricks...

One trick is to use Vaseline in small amounts because it lubricates
and gently clogs the stone to let it hone finer than it is. A lightly oiled finishing stone
can help prevent rust on the edge and spine.

Ark stones being natural are all different. The only thing they
have in common is they polish up a bit and burnish more than abrade
steel that is as hard as a razor. After lapping and before well the rock
is burnished they feel a lot different.

They also last ... my Smith rocks have been in my hands for almost 50 years.
One has a soft spot ... I might send it back but I abused it trying to sharpen the
early Buck stainless knives. Sharpen with silicon carbide (carborundum) or
aluminium oxide (corundum) and finish on you Ark of choice. No slurry...
I am not a believer in an Ark progression in the way modern water stones are made. My butcher
uses a Tri-Stone System (oil) with an Ark to finish after the two man made rocks.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Smith's Honing Solution

Solved all my issues with using Oilstones around my expensive Waterstones / hones

Haven't ever looked back since I found it

Attachment 270754

Do you happen to know if there's a difference between the two smith's honing solutions available?
looks like there's one with a red and white label (what you have pictured) vs one with a yellow and black label: https://www.smithsproducts.com/4oz-p...oning-solution

I’m still working out my favorite. I had to ditch the Dans because of the smell.

Ignore the spray. I took this pic for another purpose!

I tried lots until I settled on the oil/spirits combo. I do like the Smith's but the price can add up. I tried several oils and oil/spirit combos before I settled on the 50/50 mix.

Originally Posted by RedsFan75

I tried lots until I settled on the oil/spirits combo. I do like the Smith's but the price can add up. I tried several oils and oil/spirit combos before I settled on the 50/50 mix.

Are you using refined MS made for sharpening (like Andy77 posted above you) or the paint thinner? I wouldn't want to breathe that stuff.
Just asking because I didn't know they even made that for sharpening.

I'm using a refined one, but not sharpening specific. I use one that is oderless for fine art oil painting. Still comes out cheaper than the Smiths.

Originally Posted by RedsFan75

I tried lots until I settled on the oil/spirits combo. I do like the Smith's but the price can add up. I tried several oils and oil/spirit combos before I settled on the 50/50 mix.

I grabbed some Ikea cutting board oil the other day and it works as well as the "special honing oil"
that I have. Food (people safe) and inexpensive.
While I was at it I turned a common inexpensive oak plank into a cutting board.
And there is an Ikea close to me.

I go dry on my surgical black Ark. I do 100 back and forth laps each side. Then 50 back and forth on each side under running water. I stop at 50 because the blade sticks to the stone even under running water. When that happens, I know its ready to go. Works faster then oils. Gives a very high polish and edge to the blade and the shave is very smooth. I follow up with 50 laps on fine linen and 60 laps on my strops. I also find this technique works with the majority of steel. Much better then finishing with chromium oxide.

Originally Posted by CamMorris

Thats a new one on me,(Ballistol) Ill have to give it a try, looks like a good all around lube!

Get the liquid and not the spray. Then dilute 50-50 with water. It turns milky white and IME is the perfect consistency giving a quick cutting surface while keeping your stone clean and giving a very fine smooth edge.