Thread: Using Oil on Waterstones: a simple question

I thought the Ballistol had less chance to hurt the coticule permanently, since it emulsified with water. That and I was just curious to see what would happen.

Hello,

Found a interesting PDF discussing one of my interest's, that is making my own naturals. But while reading it I noticed it mentioned SRP and at page 49 it begins to talk about the use of oil and water, and mentions the Coticule as a water stone...thought you guys might find it an interesting read. http://bosq.home.xs4all.nl/info%2020...ing_part_2.pdf

Nathaniel.

Wow Nathaniel - what a read! I love the spit thing!!

"It is for many people a question: do I use oil or water for
my whetstones. In general it is true that oil is used for the
porous stone and water for the stones with a closed
structure. A well-known example is that Coticule is used
with water. The coticule has no pores so that also there can
no iron particles get into the stone. Spit works even better
than oil. Many think is is a bit odd, but it has been long the
practice with carpenters and joiners."

Seems to me I have heard that more than once now lol.

Glycerin (totally water soluble) cut 50/50 with water is another option.

I have also used Baby shampoo, it doesn't lather. And kinda acts i guess like people using dish liquid. But got a good edge from using it. (this is a little branch from what Glen was endeavoring to solve in this thread)

Earcutter, I almost always use spit for my working knives and wood tools funny, I just did it cause it worked and you always had it with you. haha

I would like to see a thread on if spit really works... if anyone is willing to hawk loogies on their beloved stones.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I can't bring myself to use oil on a coticule. I seem to remember someone saying they got great results with theirs but I'm not going there. Escher labels say to avoid oil or grease so we know to forget oil on those. I have an old Tam that is supposed to be okay with oil or water and I might talk myself into giving that a try someday. Arkies are all I've ever used oil on. I've got a jug of Smith's honing oil I've had forever. Seems to be good but probably just overpriced mineral oil with a different label on the bottle.

I think your advice is the best. If in doubt, don't do it.

Originally Posted by xMackx

I would like to see a thread on if spit really works... if anyone is willing to hawk loogies on their beloved stones.

Spit could work, maybe with natural beloved stones,IF you really love them,other bodily fluids might work

Spit also gets thicker as you hone. I dont really know how much of an advantage this is but it works. Old carpenters used to spit on their coticules and make the slurry on their saliva. If you were out working you didnt need to find water to hone a glossy edge.

I was just thinking about this thread the other day as I was reading in another Coticule thread that guys were suggesting only using distilled water on their "Babies" because Chlorine in tap water or heavy meatals in Well water could infiltrate the stone.. That brought me back to thinking of this thread.. We have a huge variation in thoughts about our Coticules..
Some say they are impervious, others think anything but pure water can change them.. Interesting very very Interesting!!!!!