Thread: Do you soak your Chinese 12K ?

I finally got one of these to see what all the fuss was about. Since most of the natural stones I have seen and heard of do not require soaking before use I was surprised to see the instructions on the side of the box. I got this from Woodcraft and here is the box and stone. Assuming you have the same model, have you been soaking it before you use it ?

I don't soak my Chinese 12K, just pour some water on it and then keep it wet while I use it.

I also thought that was odd, Jimmy and I can say I've never even tried soaking it. The thought seemed rather silly to me given how hard the stone is.

Hey, try it with slurry as well and finish with water. See what you think of that.

Chris L

Thanks gents, I took it on a trial run once and I did soak it. I'm one of those who tends to RTFM and follow the instructions. It didn't hurt anything but I will try it without the soak. Chris, I have the beautiful slurry stone I got from you and I do intend to put it to use.

I usually soak mine, but I can't say that I can really tell a difference. In the dry Las Vegas air, I need to keep spraying the surface anyway.

Jimmy i have chinese stone over year never soaked.it is very slow cutter.i just use water when i put blade on it.

Hi Jimmy,

I use mine frequently. I like the way the razor feels off the 12k followed by cro2. Once my razors start to drag, or get dull, That's my first line of defense. I use the slurry to cut honing time in half. I soak mine, although it doesn't really have any affect. the stone will still dry out. As you said, I'm one the follow the instructions.
Rich

I usually soak mine but only because I have the "pond" and put my Nortons & other stones in it while I hone.
Never thought about it!

I live in Easter NC and it's very humid here. I've soaked the 12k and I've not soaked the 12k, and honestly, I believe they dry out just as fast either way if left sitting there. Soaking the 12k is a time-waster.

Hi Jimmy,

I keep mine soaking in a Swiffer type (generic brand from BJ's) wet pad container most of the time. Seems like when I dry it off and put it away it is back out again in a day. It works fine that way. I haven't tried going from dry to honing.