Originally Posted by
FranfC
As far as honing lubricants-mediums there are many that work well. I think there are allot of variables with stone surface condition being high on the list. I find that generally the more viscus the medium the slower the stone will effect the edge.
Experimentation is fun and useful, I've done this w/many different liquids - some that I prefer are Balistol & water mix, water & dish detergent, mineral oil - I often dilute this w/ mineral spirits.
I have also used WD40, Balistol un-diluted, Smiths honing solution and glycerin & water. You can use just water, if used dry I think the surface w/clog quickly and need to be re-dressed to start cutting again. These stones do not really absorb much so there is little chance of damaging your stone by using different mediums on them, clean them off after use.
Get your new stone flat first and then surfaced to at least 6oo grit - you may choose to experiment with stone surface also, let the experimentation begin.