Thread: Really easy way to soak Nortons

Last night I was wanting to hone, but not mess around with emptying the sink or finding a container to soak my Norton in, so I decided to try just using the blue plastic box the stones come in. It worked very well. There was little or no leaking from the seam where the box opens and closes, and the water surrounded the stone completely (no air pockets). I used the box upside down and filled it using the vent holes on the bottom, of course. I don't know if this will work with every or well-used Norton boxes where the seams might be looser, but it worked fine with mine.

I've never thought of filling the box that completely. With a 4/8K you only need to soak the 4K side, so putting the 4K side down into the thickest part of the box with water also works quite well.

I use the blue box to soak the nortons too.

Oh heck yeah, I have mine soaking right now while I am at work...
I figured this one out really fast with the SWMBO yelling the first time "Why is this stupid stone in the sink"

so.. the 8k side doesnt need soaked at all? hmm.. when i get home going to put the 4k side down and fill up the blue box.

i will admit that i am sick of filling the rubbermade container and walking downstairs with it. i will try this out for sure.

Glen, you leave yours soaking for that long? Is that ok for it?

Originally Posted by pjrage

Glen, you leave yours soaking for that long? Is that ok for it?

Nope, according to Norton 10 minutes is all they take....

That's just how I do it. The 4k side can soak up a lot of water so it's good to add more water after five minutes.

X

Didn't know that bit about only needing to soak the 4k, that does makes things easier, though I guess I would have known if I had enough sense TO READ THE MANUAL... like I just did...

They should mention this in one of the honing wikis. I've only had to go through "the giant ceramic bowl hassle" a couple times but I'd be all if I'd had to do it alot and all the vets knew about the box trick...