How to clean sharpening stones?

[guitar1580]

I bought the Lansky system and it seems to work well for the most part. I've only used it several times, and the stones aren't even worn yet, but they seem to be "loaded up", and not cutting very well. Any suggestions on how to keep them cleaned & maintained? Thx.

Josh P

[garddogg56]

With an Arkansas stone I use warm water with a drop of Dawn dish detergent and a soft toothbrush,I've had this stone for 25years air dry.

[HiPower]

with ceramic stones i use mother's mag available from Auto Zone & for diamonds i like Marvels Mystery Oil avaiable everywhere. the mothers paste really cleans up the fine grit ceramics & the marvels on a rag or paper towel remove residue very easily. nothing wrong with dish detergents but they are slower for myself. HiPower p.s the marvels works good for silicon carbide & arkansas stones also.

[basser5]

With the Lansky stones you just put a few drops of oil on the stone, lightly rub it around with your finger, then wipe it off with a rag. The oil will float the grit to the top.

Tim

[jerryd6818]

Guitar - Other than the cleaning issue, how is the Lansky system working out for you? Ease of use. Finished blade edge?

[Bret888]

GoJo hand cleaner is the best I have ever seen. Use it as your honing oil, and rinse with water when you are done.

[Iron Hoarder]

I've used gun scrubber with fairly good results. Just make sure that if you are using it on a synthetic stone that it doesn't eat the adhesive holding it together.

[JWS]

I use Barkeepers Friend (a non abraseive scouring powder) & water works quick with very little elbow grease.

[Simple Man]

For fine stones a pencil eraser, think Pink Pearl, or other white eraser works wonders. I prefer a drafting eraser as it holds together a bit better (bigger boogers, less "dust")

It also works perfectly for removing extra/over wax from plastic trim on the truck/car.

[guitar1580]

Thanks for all of the suggestions folks. I'll probably give most of them a try.

Jerry, I haven't used the Lansky alot, but this is what I've found so far. The thumb screw sits too tall, and gets in the way when sharpening a small blade, so I replaced it with a lower profile screw, which helps some. I have a lot of small lockback Bucks, and its still impossible to get a sharper angle on the small ones because the stone will hit the clamp. I'm going to try it on some kitchen knives soon, and will update. The other problem I encountered with the Lansky, at least for the small knives, is that no matter how tight you clamp the blade, it will still slip within the clamp a little, changing the angle of the blade, which throws everything off. I've gone to putting some masking tape on the blade where it goes in the clamp for a better grip, but you still have to be careful because it's very easy for the blade to slip a little if you apply too much pressure with the stone.

I expect it will work better with a larger knife, I hope. For the smallest pocket knives, I think I'm going to have to keep practicing with the manual whet stone, although I'm not very good at maintaining my angle yet. I'm considering trying a Japanese water stone. The Lansky style systems are a good idea, but not foolproof in all situations.

JP

[orvet]

Wayne Goddard said he soaks old stones in Simple Green and then rinses them in warm water.