Replies

1. 
   philip | Oct 03, 2007 10:19am | #1

   Old, by definition a whetstone is a sharpening stone used with water.If they are a natural stone it is more likely they work better with water, but that is not necessarily so: there are exceptions such as some Arkansas stones-I have one that is used with oil, according to the instructions on the box.
   If I were you I would flatten them and then try them all with water-no damage can be done.
   Then I would try kerosene on the rougher ones-again no damage can be done.
   Man made oil stones are usually orange or dark grey and of even colour and consistency-and these are used with thin oil, as far as I know.
   So, I would tend to use water on the very fine smooth ones , kero on the rougher ones and oil on the roughest or artificial stones.
   In the short term no damage can be done to a natural if oil instead of water is used-it just means it will clog up and not cut as well .
   I have a Kingstone which is supposed to be used with water, but I have always used it with Kerosene-no problem.
   Why worry about grit size- if it gives a mirror like polish it is FINE...More important if it can produce a mirror shine QUICKLY then it is a mighty fine stone, not to be sniffed at.
   Hope that is of use- no doubt I will be shot, but I speak from the experience of far too many stones of all descriptions and nationalities, before the advent of quality diamond plate and now just two other fine stones that I may use after the diamond plate.

   Philip Marcou