Thread: soaking stones...

morning Gents.. just a quick question here. i've got a naniwa combo 1k/5K stome, and on the website i ordered it from, it states that these types of stones should not be soaked. now, i've soaked the stone every time i used it, so i guess my question is will i ruin the stone by soaking it before use, or should i just spray water on it while using it?

I don't have any of that brand. If the website or the Naniwa's instructions said specifically not to soak the stone I wouldn't soak it. If it said it is not necessary I would feel I had the option.

i have 1 of stone and what i did i used as same as norton.i leave noton 4/k inside backet of water for 1 year.1 day i need japan stone and picked up to use that stone wow stone wasn't anymore stone half gone.Now if they said dont soak then don't do it.you just spray with water every time when you use.That will do the job.Great job asking questions before damage done.

I believe Howard from the Perfect Edge recommends against soaking norton combination stones constantly because it can loosen the bond between the two different grit stones. This isn't really relevant to the Japanese hones, but just in case people are wondering about soaking other types I figured I'd throw that out there.

I've probably been using the Norton Stones for razors longer than any one and have never had a problem leaving them in water, even for months. I have heard that others have had separation problems. Actually, you really only need to soak them for 10-15 minutes prior to use and then keep a thin film of water on them when honing.

Most of the other synthetic stones I have tried including the Naniwa require no soaking and just a sprinkle of water to work fine.

Lynn