Thread: Any difference when honing with soft water vs hard water?

While this question likely hits the level of superfluous for many, I'm interested to know if anyone has experienced or knows of any difference when honing with soft water vs hard water with their edge/steel and hone. A quick refresh - hard water is water that contains a concentration of a number of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, while soft water contains far less minerals, but tends to have a bit more sodium.
Anyways, has anyone done any 'experiments' of sorts using soft water from something like a deionizer vs hard water (well water, or some public tap water sources). Probably not much of a difference, if any, but just interested to know.

Thanks.

No difference.

If your water comes out with small chunks, which it could in my house before I made corrections, there could be a difference. A simple filter can solve that problem. I prefer using distilled water just to be safe and because I have ready access to it.

Originally Posted by Utopian

If your water comes out with small chunks, which it could in my house before I made corrections, there could be a difference. A simple filter can solve that problem. I prefer using distilled water just to be safe and because I have ready access to it.

Our water system is very sandy. Filters are needed.

I use RO water available for $0.39/gallon in most groceries.

We also use RO water for coffee and tea.

As long as there is no sand as mentioned above, no difference when honing. There IS a difference when lathering though...

Originally Posted by ScottGoodman

As long as there is no sand as mentioned above, no difference when honing. There IS a difference when lathering though...

What's the difference when lathering?

Huge Difference

I find that the well water I have with all the dissolved minerals and suspended manganese adds greatly to the slickness of the feel on the hones ...
I can get a much keener and smoother edge using my well water than when using Distilled...

Where is the best place to purchase popcorn?

At the Gettin Place.

My water is super hard as well but it doesn't effect honing. Lather on the other hand not as well, some soaps really don't like it and don't lather as well