Water or oil?

**100fuegos** · 10-16-2010, 12:58 AM

Hi everybody
I find an Arkansas soft stone wich, here in Chile, is quite unusual.
My question is:
I need use with water or some mineral oil (baby oil perhaps)?
Is there some difference?
Thanks for any help
Guillermo

**Magpie** · 10-16-2010, 01:07 AM

If the stone is clean and does not have an "old oil" smell to it, you may be able to use it with water.
If it has already been oiled, you will have to go through a cleaning process to be able to try and use water.

I have used mineral oil with decent results, but light weight honing oils, even the modern water based ones, will likely give a better result.

baby oil has stuff in it. Not sure what. But I would avoid it.

Most drug stores/apothecary, or even large markets will have normal mineral oil available (used for "internal lubrication")

**Bill S** · 10-16-2010, 01:24 AM

Hopefully someone will add an experienced opinion here, but I would say that you will want to be sure that the grit level of your stone is satisfactory for razors. It may be too coarse for use beyond bevel setting.

Regarding oil vs water, I think Magpie gave you pretty good advice.

**Sticky** · 10-16-2010, 04:09 AM

Kerosene should be widely available in Chile and works nicely as a light honing oil. It tends to irritate those with sensitive skin, though.

**JeffR** · 10-16-2010, 04:32 AM

If it's available in Chile, WD-40 would also work as a honing oil.

**Magpie** · 10-16-2010, 05:31 AM

its unlikely that a washita stone would be good for much more than bevel setting , or possibly the next step up. But he didnt ask that question!

I have shaved off of a good hard surgical black arky stone. not bad, not great. Probably best if pasted strops were used after.

Has anybody tried slurry stones on the hard Arks yet? now I'm curious!

**100fuegos** · 10-16-2010, 01:27 PM

Thanks for your help.
The stone is new and i also think it is bit coarse and only good for initial honing.
Here we have kerosene and wd40. Also mineral oil for medical use.
I'll try water first - clean, odorless - and if disappointed, then change to oil. I think this is best than the opposite.
Have a nice day.

**Traskrom** · 10-16-2010, 02:06 PM

Originally Posted by 100fuegos

we have kerosene

Don't use it. You will never get rig of that smell. Just don't.

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