:hmmm: That very well might be what I have been doing "right" all along then...
When I am done honing I simply lay them face down on the towel I keep on the table, I don't dry them even, just done honing, rinse them, and leave them be..
I would guess that they only actually DRY out when I leave the house for a few days..
I do this same thing with all my hones and stones