Thread: Air drying Norton Hones

The Norton Water Stones need to be completely submersed in water for 15 min before using. So when you are done using them obviously they have a good deal of water still in them, right? The blue boxes that they come in have holes in them, but I am concerned that if I put them back in the boxes right after using them that they will mildew, and I typically let them set out on the counter for a number of days before putting them away. Is this necessary? If so for how long?

The time it takes for the stones to dry will depend on the ambient temperature and humidity.
So I think it will take as long as it takes, you may be able to speed up the process by wrapping in a paper napkin or cloth to help the moisture out faster.
I personally do not keep any stones in boxes, I just leave them out until I need to use them next time.

Most of the time, I lay mine in the bathtub on a towel. (We have a seperate tub and shower) They can take 2 to 3 days to dry completely ime.
In the summer, I put them in the garage on a shelf. You are correct, if you put them away wet, they will mildew.

I took my 8k plastic norton box and drilled a bunch of holes in the bottom. I store the 4k (I have 2 single grit nortons) in a rubbermaid container with just enough water to cover it, so that I am always ready to go when I want to hone. The 8k by itself does not require preliminary soaking. For combo stones I would say drill the holes in the bottom of the container and don't worry about any problems. In 6 years I've never had a problem.

I do my sharpening in the laundry room (no one cares about the mess I make there, and there's a sink) and leave the stones out on a shelf there until they're dry, however long that takes

A day in the sun on the window sill. I leave em sideways with the 4k side getting the sun. Never had a problem. Then in the box they go.

Originally Posted by mloyd

The Norton Water Stones need to be completely submersed in water for 15 min before using. So when you are done using them obviously they have a good deal of water still in them, right? The blue boxes that they come in have holes in them, but I am concerned that if I put them back in the boxes right after using them that they will mildew, and I typically let them set out on the counter for a number of days before putting them away. Is this necessary? If so for how long?

I find don't place them on a painted shelf. They seem to form a really strong suckion to the paint.

I put them on end and leave them around 3 days. I find that is how long it takes for them to thoroughly dry.

In the winter I put them close to the wall vent and usually only takes a day for them to dry, and in the summer 2-3 days in the open.
If you put them back in the container before dry they WILL get mildew on them

Perhaps it is our weather here, but I've never dried mine except for a few times when I've had to travel and be away for an extended period.

My norton 4/8 has been submerged in water almost continually since 2006 (with the above exceptions). There's been no ill effects and the two sides are still attached to each other.

James.