Thread: Honing oil alternative?

Hi,
Is there an alternative for honing oil? Thanks.

I don't know a lot about different oils for honing, but what kind of stone(s) were you planning on using it on? Different oils may be appropriate on different honing media.

Perhaps more experienced members could help you out more if you let us know what stones you have.

If you mix 3 parts glycerine to 1 part surgical spirit, this replicates the effect of using alcohol and is is far far cleaner and does not clog a hone.

Alternatively lather can give a similar effect. I have used both on hones where water simply beads upon contact, as though the hone repels water.

I've used dish soap plus a splash of water on my Charnley Forest with good results. As Scipio says, lather is also effective.

I'm using oil on Turkey oil stones. Machine oil, gas oil, olive oil and sewing machine oil are the oils I can find. I have only tried olive oil so far.