SHarpening Stones

[agd68]

How do you know if your supposed to use oil or water on a stone ? I have a Coleman stone that has "oilstone" printed on it's side but recieved a set of 3 Gerber stones  :confused:   with nothing on the stones or packaging.

[pintail_drake2004]

i never use water on a stone if i dont have to. machine oil or honing oil only. that is how i was taught. machine oil (for sewing machines is finer than honing oil) and it floats the steel better IMO.

[Wampus]

Kerosene works good too.

[rod sarver]

I've always had good luck with 3 in one oil. thanks - Rod

[Willrett]

any ideas where to get a get set of stones and oil
cheap? Wal-mart has nothing.

[Lin Rhea]

Willret,
         They are not cheap, but some of the Arkansas stone cutters can offer "seconds" for a fraction of the first run cost. I have bought several 1 X 3 X 10 or 12 inch for $20-25 each. You cant easily tell the difference.  The first run of that size are about $100. They carry oil too.
I got mine from Dan's Whetstones and Hall's Pro-edge. If you cant find them on the ineternet, holler at me and I'll get you in touch. Lin

[Jeremy]

KME has good stones at a good price.  They're a bit thinner than what other places are selling, but I don't see myself wearing them out  

I just bought a new bottle of Norton's honing oil at Home Depot for a few dollars.  I like to use a "food safe" honing oil, rather than one with kerosene in the mix.  

For those that haven't seen this before (or it's equivalent):
 

[Todd Robbins]

The only stones that you would use water on will be clearly sold as water stones.  I use kerosene on my stones, like Wampus.  To be honest, I've tried just about every stone type imaginable, and I just can't seem to beat a cheap EZ Lap diamond stone for speed or reliability, and it doesn't need any oil or water..  I use a fine grit EZ Lap stone and then strop on leather loaded with green rouge most of the time.  I have had pretty good luck with a Norton Fine India stone followed by a hard Arkansas stone, but it takes me a lot longer.