Thread: Storing hones in water

I know the low grit Nortons even after a 20 minute soak they still absorb water like a sponge.

The best bet if you want to keep hones in water all the time is add a few drops of bleach, it will prevent anything from growing on the stones.

I keep my Norton 4k/8k in a container/tub of water all the time, under the sink. I don't use it much though...and it does get slimy....perhaps I shouldn't bother soaking them all the time anymore! Or I should just try a little bit of bleach....

But back to the OP, it doesn't seem to hurt the stones at all (NB: I'm talking about Nortons only).

I used to store my Norton hones (220/1000, 4000/8000) in water but I stopped doing that for no good reason. Now I soak them for about 30 min. before I use them. IMHO it doesn't hurt to store them in water, but it isn't necessary either.

I have one concern about storing the hones in water with bleach. Some of that bleach will come in contact with your razor. Now in Glen's case using it just for a 1k, it's not an issue because subsequent use of higher grit hones would eliminate any corrosion caused by the 1k hone. However, if you soak your other hones in bleach as well, your freshly honed edge could end up corroded.

There has been many conversations about this, not only in razor sites but woodworking, artesan and diy sites as well.

IMO it might be useful to store them in the water if they are frequently used, but in my case i do not use my stones so often, so i have no reason for that.
Whenever i need a stone, i put in in the water and wait about 30-60 min until i use them. I can use that time to clean/polish/whatever the object i'm working with.

Whenever i'm about to do some woodworking with my chisels etc, i start the whole thing by putting the stones i need in the water. Once i've done with my tools, i finish the job my giving them few strokes on a stones. Same goes with razors.

Another add: Don't store Shaptons in water. I did for a couple days and did some serious damage to my 2K. I may be able to work it out, but will loose at least 1/8" if not more...that's if I only lap one side. Pitted it severely!