All About Pocket Knives

I have a Smith's Tri-Stone sharpening system I bought from Cabella's. I love it. Best sharpening setup I've ever owned. I always put a copious amount of oil on each stone before I use them, but for some reason, the medium stone doesn't seem to have the "tooth" it once had. It doesn't appear to be "loaded up"....so, my question is....is there a way to "re-condition" it? Like, maybe "scuff" it up so it has that "feel" like it's actually taking off some metal when I use it?

Thanks for any suggestions or comments.

Dewman

Sounds like it might be clogged with residue from sharpening. Try washing in soapy water and using a toothbrush to loosen the residue. A cleanser like Bon Ami, or Bar Keepers Friend, with the toothbrush, would work even better if you have something like that.

Bill

I'll be danged if it didn't work! I got out a "chore girl" pad, some Comet, hot water and some dishwashing soap....and a real stiff bristle brush and went to town. Cleaned 'em up real good, put 'em out in the hot sun to dry off....and after another good coating of oil, they're good as new!

Thanks for the tip, El Lobo.

Dewman

I just tried this on some of my 30 year old sharpening stones. It worked !!!! This site has a lot of good information.

Have you considered using water instead of oil on any stone?

I was told a Arkansas stone should be oiled. So I have never used water on them.

Would you consider using, say an extra flea market stone or a tag sale stone to your liking, and using water on that?

I use "Smiths Honing Solution" on my Arkansas and other oil stones. Several drops and it works great. Then when I am done I spray some water on the stone to remove the solution and wipe dry. it is a lot less messy than soaking the stone down with oil.

Based partially on this thread I bought a smiths 3 sided stone set up. I mostly like the idea. It is solid and elevated off the table and the stones are fine. But it has one flaw. When sharpening sheath knives the guard hits the plastic housing. So I can’t always get close to the ricasso.

This is a problem using stones that are housed in something or worse yet glued to something. When they are glued to something you have access to one side only. You can't even use their edges.
Stones needn't be contained at all. You may use something to contain them as you sharpen with them
but it's nice to free them up after.
Buying them with accessories increases the price.

FRJ wrote:This is a problem using stones that are housed in something or worse yet glued to something. When they are glued to something you have access to one side only. You can't even use their edges.
Stones needn't be contained at all. You may use something to contain them as you sharpen with them
but it's nice to free them up after.
Buying them with accessories increases the price.

+1 and Amen!

Ken

A few more tips for you from a guy that has been doing this type of stuff for more than a few years. I made a inletted piece of wood to put a small stone in, that way you can remove it and wash it. Also made a 3 sided piece of plywood that I put a large 11 inch stone in. The stone is even with the edge so you can get a fixed blade right up to the guard and again remove for cleaning. Not much money involved just a little time. I think the "secret" is keeping the stone clean, what ever you use for lub, water, oil, kerosene. Just my 2 cents worth, you can either use it or pitch it. LOL Terry

terryl308 wrote:A few more tips for you from a guy that has been doing this type of stuff for more than a few years. Terry

That's a nice approach, Terry. Those are beautiful stones too.

I have something similar.