How to Remove Clean Oil From Sharpening Stones & Whetstones

Learning how to properly use a whetstone takes patience, and it is best to start with a practice object. Scissors, knives, and chisels can be sharpened at home once the technique is learned. Keeping a sharpening stone or whetstone clean is crucial to its performance. Poor stone maintenance will result in particles left to dry on the stone surface and in the pores of the stone. Dried particles will damage the edge with small nicks, rather than sharpening the edge of scissors or a knife.

Things You'll Need

• Honing oil
• Cloth
• Water

Instructions

1. Apply a small amount of honing oil directly on the stone. Purchase honing oil from home improvement centers or hardware stores.

2. Use a cloth to rub the oil in a circular motion over the entire top of the stone.

3. Wipe the oil off the stone using a clean cloth.

4. Rinse the stone with clean water until all the oil is removed.

5. Dry the stone with a towel.

Tips & Warnings

• Kerosene can work as a honing lubricant. You can also use water when no other lubricants are available.

• Use extreme caution when attempting to sharpen objects.

References

• Halls Pro-edge: Sharpening Instructions