Thread: Chemically/physically speaking, why does oil/glycerin make for a closer honing?

We've all read and many of us have tried using oil or glycerin makes for a finer honing experience than using water. But does anyone know why, chemically/physically speaking? Obviously not knowing or even knowing will not change the fact, but I'm curious to know.

Thanks

Originally Posted by Shokunin

We've all read and many of us have tried using oil or glycerin makes for a finer honing experience than using water. But does anyone know why, chemically/physically speaking? Obviously not knowing or even knowing will not change the fact, but I'm curious to know.

Thanks

What does "closer honing" mean?

I'd guess that oil, being more viscous moves the resulting metal particles out of the way and reduces blade contact with the hone thus acting more like a higher grit hone.

Originally Posted by gcbryan

What does "closer honing" mean?

I'd guess that oil, being more viscous moves the resulting metal particles out of the way and reduces blade contact with the hone thus acting more like a higher grit hone.

I've read numerous times something like, "using this hone with oil or glycerin will yield an even finer edge/closer hone."

Originally Posted by Shokunin

I've read numerous times something like, "using this hone with oil or glycerin will yield an even finer edge/closer hone."

I guess it's just like using lather with a barber's hone or after using slurry with a water hone and then going to water. You are having less contact with the hone so it may work slower but it's having less contact and thus a smoother finish.

The connection between the stone (and abrasives) and the blade (steel) is buffered. This results in less contact and a less deeper cutting of the abrasive material in the steel.

Depending on the materials this can result in a finer result or more polishing of the steel...

What the main factors are in terms of a proper research cant be told in my point of view....cant remember that somebody did it till today

For your viewing pleasure:



If you want to skip to what oil does, check around 3:20.

Granted with sharpening stones we're not looking at 2 polished metal surfaces, the pricinpal is the same even though it's a polished surface and an abrasive. The blade will actually ride atop the oil, and the abrasive won't be able to cut as deep. Thicker oil will make for a better film and less contact. Put some 80-90 on your finishing hone and you'll never manage to remove enough metal to get any work out of it.

I always heard that glycerin 'made water wetter'.

Originally Posted by kelbro

I always heard that glycerin 'made water wetter'.

I wonder how wetness is guaged, i would have thought water would be pretty wet to start with (assuming liquid state) ☺.

Originally Posted by kelbro

I always heard that glycerin 'made water wetter'.

More water, makes water wetter.

Originally Posted by Hirlau

More water, makes water wetter.

Surely the water would be equally wet just bigger. Whateever the water was on would be wetter though