Using Oil or Other Lubricants With a Sharpening Stone

When learning how to sharpen knives, often one of the fist things to confuse people is whether oil or water are needed on sharpening stones. A sharpening stone is one of the easiest way to sharpen your blades, whether you want to restore the sharp edge on your kitchen cutlery or need to sharpen some woodworking tools. There are many varieties made of stone or any number of manufactured materials, and they are usually found in the form of a block. With these and other types of knife sharpeners, you may or may not need to use any liquid, depending on the type of sharpener you have selected and its material.

When designed for use with lubricating liquid, a sharpening stone may be called a waterstone, whetstone, or oilstone. When in doubt, read the instructions. Some knife sharpeners are designed for use with a particular type of oil, while others are specifically designed for use without lubricating liquid. You should not lubricate a stone not designed to be used when moist, and you should not use a waterstone or oilstone when it is dry, as each is designed to be used in a particular manner. Some can be used either wet or dry; generally, using such stones wet is recommended, as it has several benefits during the sharpening process.

The purpose of moistening the stone with water or oil before use is to absorb the metal and stone dust (sometimes referred to as 'swarf') that is created through the process of sharpening a blade. The liquid keeps this debris from clogging the pores of the sharpening stone. According to many, it also makes the stone more effective at sharpening blades quickly, or helps to dissipate the heat caused by friction.

Depending on the knife sharpener, you can lubricate the surface with water, a water-based honing oil, or a petroleum-based honing oil. You should choose one type and stick with it, since the porous sharpening stone will absorb the lubricating fluid, making it difficult to switch from one type of lubrication to another, particularly when starting with an oil-based lubricant rather than water.

For best results, choose an oil that is designed specifically for honing or sharpening. Though vegetable oil was once recommended for this purpose, it will turn gummy, clogging the pores in your sharpening stone over time. It may also turn rancid, requiring the replacement of your sharpener. Other suggestions for lubricating oils include mineral oil or machine oil, though the best choice is honing oil that is designed for this purpose.

When lubricating a sharpening stone using water, soak the stone for at least ten minutes prior to sharpening your knives. Be generous with honing fluid. There should be a pool visible on the surface of the stone as you are sharpening the blade. As the oil grows darker with use, wipe it off with a rag, and add more fluid. When you're done using the sharpener, wipe it clean, letting it dry thoroughly before putting the stone away. Over time, both oil and the dust of metal or stone shavings may build up on the surface of the knife sharpener. You can use an old toothbrush to remove some of this residue.

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