Thread: Distilled water vs. Tap water?

For the finest possible finish, use distilled water. It squeezes out that extra sharpness. Forget searching for that ultra finisher, its all in the h20.

I've noticed that Perrier, slightly chilled, with a drop of Gray Poupon for a slurry, increases the sharpness of my edges.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I've noticed that Perrier, slightly chilled, with a drop of Gray Poupon for a slurry, increases the sharpness of my edges.

Is the magic in the bubbles? Perhaps it induces a lifting effect? Lynn always says to just go with the weight of the blade at and after the 8k, so maybe LESS than the weight of the blade, due to the bubbles, will give me that ultra edge I keep misguidedly seeking in my hones.
Of course, the mustard makes sense too. The slightly corrosive nature of the mustard will bring down that edge faster than honing alone, and we all know that more expensive hones work better, so more expensive mustards should work the same way.


Thanks for the tips Jimmy!

Originally Posted by Utopian

I
Thanks for the tips Jimmy!

Kidding aside, welcome to SRP to the original poster. I've never used anything but tap water. One tip I would share is to handle natural stones by the edges. This is something I read on a website where a fellow sells J-nats. It had never occurred to me but oil, dirt, sweat, whatever will transfer to the stone's surface and be absorbed to an extent. Since reading that I always handle my naturals, and my synthetics, for that matter, by the edges.

Originally Posted by Scipio

For the finest possible finish, use distilled water. It squeezes out that extra sharpness. Forget searching for that ultra finisher, its all in the h20.

+1, My water is imported from a Glacier. It gives the edge, that extra added something....

Seriosly, Save the distilled water for your car battery...

Club soda man, that's the ticket.

Thank you gentlemen! I appreciate the feedback and the kind words!
Sincerely!

The type of water can really make a difference? I have a high iron content in my water...will that matter? Will it stain my stones?

Well, you're rubbing steel (with iron in it) on your stones. I don't think the iron will be a problem as long as you filter out the bigger stuff. If you really are concerned, you could buy one jug of distilled water and see if you notice any difference.

Forget the water try lemon juice for a sharper edge