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Wet Stones

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23 Jan 2003
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going to teach myself how to use a wet stone for sharping, seems to be a big price difference between them,
are all there big differents in them in terms of results and use ?
 
big difference in durability, cheap stones are usually softer and more prone to damage

some people go in-between but avoid cheap ones
 
For the wood working tools I have a number of stones - a diamond, a 100/400 oilstone and then I have 4000 and 6000 Japanese water stones and a leather slop. If I was to buy another water stone it would be 1000-1500 grit as that's a gap I have to use sheet paper for.

What state are the blades in? Chipped or simply rounded dull?

I'd suggest a sharpening tool, 1000, and then 4000, and a leather slop. Also if you have a good honing iron to reshape the edge that will help a lot too. After 4000/5000 it all becomes more polishing it feels. The Honing metal will help maintain the blade between using the stones so will save your effort and stones.
 
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i have a set of good Global knifes, and the edges are good, which i sharpen on a graef electric sharper

the wet stones sharping is a skill i've all ways wanted to learn, i plan to buy some (cheapish) knifes to practice on
 
Better to make the distinction water vs oil ;) both wet :p (it is whetstone)

It's the slurry that does the work, and learn to keep them flat and clean.
 
I got 3 of them ranging from 1000 - 6000 I think, maybe even 8000 I'm not home to check.

With my posh Japanese nikiri I just run it on high grit sometimes 3000, usually just straight in at 6000, and reasonably light and short run will do it. It's really hard steel.

Then use a strop.

1000 grit is more for cheap beaters/damaged edges etc - although I tend to use it regularly to keep the stones flat (rub them on each other).
 
1000 grit is more for cheap beaters/damaged edges etc - although I tend to use it regularly to keep the stones flat (rub them on each other).

Rebuilding takes a while with wood tools (planes, chisels and gouges) if you chip the edge it leaves raised edges and sometimes catches the grain etc.
 
I've got a cheap one of Amazon stones (3000/8000), it works for me. Just sharpening kitchen knifes.
I'd suggest getting the cheap one first and practicing with a cheaper knifes. You will build up your skills just fine. And if you make mistakes or don't like the process it will not hurt financially.
 
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