Thread: 12K Stone Thoughts

Originally Posted by planeden

Aha! So, my 4k/8k stone took weeks to dry out so I just started keeping it in water. The 8k side never really felt quite right, though. It stopped working well, as in it would get duller on the 8k side. So, I flattened it. Still no good. I pulled it out of the water a couple of days ago and it is so bad it rocks on the counter. I'm not sure if it was too soft or I just did that bad of a job.

Either way, I figure I'll let it dry out a few more days then flatten it again and see if it works. Then I'll make sure not to leave it soaking. Soaking may not have caused it, but why risk it?

One potential problem with combination stones is one side can expand and contract at a different rate than the other side, to changing water content. For that reason, I don't like them.

Originally Posted by CrescentCityRazors

One potential problem with combination stones is one side can expand and contract at a different rate than the other side, to changing water content. For that reason, I don't like them.

Yep, that makes sense. I never had that problem when I just soaked it just before using it, so here's hoping.

And, just for another datapoint, my Norton 4/8K combo stone has been sitting in water continuously since 2009. I use it on every honing job I do.

I guess, as they say, YMMV.

James.

Originally Posted by Jimbo

And, just for another datapoint, my Norton 4/8K combo stone has been sitting in water continuously since 2009. I use it on every honing job I do.

I guess, as they say, YMMV.

James.

I've heard those were good stones. This one cost me $20. Before I soaked it for months it had a very nice feel to it and did a very good job. But it just didn't feel quite the same after soaking for months.

But, regardless, my version of science thinks going back to the original successful versions is the first test. Then some day may try leaving it in the bath for longer and see.