The two primary lubricants used on sharpening stones are water and mineral oil. They are chosen based on the type of stone being used, as they cannot be interchanged.
A sharpening stone lubricant (or honing fluid) suspends metal shavings and prevents them from clogging the stone's pores. Without it, the stone glazes over and loses its abrasive power. The correct lubricant depends entirely on the type of stone you own.
Use a low-viscosity, non-gumming mineral oil or a dedicated honing oil. These prevent the stone’s pores from clogging with metal filings.
WD-40 can be used as a temporary or emergency honing oil, particularly for cleaning stones, but it is not ideal for regular sharpening because its low viscosity (thinness) fails to effectively suspend and remove metal particles. While it cleans well, its fast evaporation requires constant reapplication, and some argue it can clog pores over time.
Diamond stones can be used without any lubrication, but it's generally recommended to use either water (make sure to clean and dry it afterwards), a light machine oil or WD40.
The best honing oil substitute is plain mineral oil (or unscented baby oil). It suspends metal shavings effectively, won't turn gummy over time, and is highly affordable. Alternatively, you can use thin machine oils (like 3-in-1 oil) or specialized commercial options like Smith's Honing Solution.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Resurfacing (or lapping) a sharpening stone restores its flatness and clears away embedded metal filings.
While WD-40 is a great multipurpose solvent, it is a poor long-term lubricant and should never be used on items that require specialized lubricants, come into contact with food, or are made of sensitive plastics and rubber.
Honing oil is typically made from lightweight mineral oil, which is sometimes blended with thin petroleum solvents like kerosene or mineral spirits to adjust the thickness. Premium brands are often just plain mineral oil sold at a markup, and can contain additives like sulfur, chlorine, or oleic acid.
Using a whetstone or sharpening stone requires only a few steps. First, the stone should be prepared – depending on the type, it is used with water, oil or dry. Place the knife at the right angle on the stone and guide it in a steady motion over the grinding surface until it is sharp.
Benchstones. Benchstones are the most commonly used sharpening stones and are also known as oilstones or whetstones. As the term oilstone suggests, a thin layer of oil is typically used as a lubricant on this type of stone to enhance sharpening performance and to keep the sharpening surface from loading or glazing.
Yes, you can use 3-in-1 oil as a honing oil for sharpening stones. It is a light lubricating oil that successfully lifts metal filings (swarf) and floats them away from the stone's pores.
Oil is used on specific types of whetstones (like natural Arkansas stones or synthetic aluminum oxide) to lubricate the blade, reduce friction, and float away tiny metal filings. This prevents the stone’s pores from clogging ("glazing"), which would otherwise cause the stone to stop cutting.
Mineral oil is the ideal lubricant for traditional oil stones, keeping the abrasive surface clean and extending its lifespan.
First you will use a coarse grit whetstone. Some whetstones have both a coarse side and a finer side. Now, how long do you have to soak a whetstone? Place your selected coarse whetstone in water to cover for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the air bubbles stop getting released.
WD-40 Multi-Use is primarily a solvent designed to displace water, loosen rust, and clean. For long-lasting, heavy-duty, or specialized lubrication, upgrade to one of these targeted alternatives based on your needs:
Spraying WD-40 in your toilet bowl dissolves stubborn hard water stains, rust, and lime deposits. Its petroleum-based formula breaks down grime and leaves behind a slick, water-repellent coating that prevents new mineral buildup and waste from sticking to the porcelain.
It'll do in a pinch, but its just too light for any longevity. It also attracts dirt badly. almost any other lubricant is a better choice than WD-40 for squeaky hinges. Because WD40 isn't a lubricant.
Here are the most common mistakes and proven ways to avoid them:
The best, most accessible honing oil substitute is standard mineral oil (including unscented baby oil), as it won't gum up or go rancid. Other readily available alternatives include 3-in-1 oil, sewing machine oil, or standard kerosene.
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