How to Clean Diamond Sharpening Stone
A diamond sharpening stone is a useful tool for keeping your blades sharp, but it needs to be regularly cleaned, or it will become clogged with metal filings and other debris. We’ll show you how to clean diamond sharpening stone using simple household supplies in this post.
We’ll also discuss the best way to store your stone to remain in good condition. Cleaning your diamond sharpening stone is essential to keep it performing at its best. With regular cleaning, your sharpening stone will last longer and continue to deliver accurate results. So why wait? Let’s get started!
What Do you Need to Clean a Diamond Sharpening Steel?
- Water
- Paper towel/tissue
- Dish soap
- Baking soda
- Pot (to heat water in).
- Cleaning Cloth
- Toothbrush
11 Steps to Follow: How to Clean Diamond Sharpening Stone
Step 1: Clean your Tool.
Before sharpening your knives on your sharpening stone, make sure to clean the stone to remove any manufacturing debris or other stones that may have been left on it. You can do this by scrubbing the surface with a non-abrasive sponge and warm water.
Step 2: Soak in Oil.
Oiling your stone before use keeps the diamond abrasives from drying out and helps lift small particles that would otherwise clog your stone. Just pour a few drops of any light oil (such as 3-in-1) onto the surface of the stone, rub it around using your fingers, and let it sit for about 10 minutes before wiping it off with a cloth.
Step 3: Wet the Surface.
Before sharpening your knife on the diamond sharpening stone, wet its surface with water. This will help the blade move more easily against the stone. Splash some water on it until the stone is fully saturated, then wait about 30 seconds before beginning to sharpen.
Step 4: Use the Right Pressure.
When sharpening your blade, start with light pressure and increase it slowly until you feel a slight “bite” or hitching on the stone’s surface. At that point, continue increasing the pressure until it’s about as hard as you can comfortably press down on it without forcing the blade. You want to apply a moderate amount of stress throughout the process.
Step 5: Use a Wide Blade Angle.
When sharpening your blade, maintain a wide angle against the surface of the stone somewhere between 15 and 20 degrees. This will allow your blade to be sharpened evenly across the entire cutting surface. If you only sharpen part of your blade at a time, you’ll end up with an unbalanced edge that won’t cut as well as it could’ve.
Step 6: Remove the Rust.
If your blade has developed rust over time, the diamond surface of the sharpening stone can be used to remove it. Use a small hand towel or sponge to scrub off the rust spots using small circular motions and some light pressure.
Step 7: Sharpen Your Tool.
Now that your sharpening stone is clean, oiled, and yet it’s time to sharpen your blade. First, run your blade against the surface of the stone with light pressure until you reach the desired level of sharpness. Then take a few swipes through sandpaper or an extra-fine/ultra-fine synthetic sharpening stone to smooth out the edge.
Step 8: Use Short Strokes.
To sharpen your blade without over-sharpen any part of it, use short strokes and maintain a consistent angle throughout the process. Go slow and steady to avoid sharpening too quickly.
Step 9: Dampen the Felt.
To create a slurry, you’ll need to have an excellent layer of water on your stone’s surface. Make sure that the surface of your sharpening stone is wet before beginning to sharpen but not sopping wet; there should be no puddles of water on it. Use a dampened felt to quickly and easily get the surface wet for optimal sharpening.
Step 10: Wipe it Off
Finally, wipe off all of the oil and grime that your sharpening session left on the surface of the stone with a clean cloth or towel to reveal its original finish. However, before you store it away, make sure to leave it in an area that can air dry completely.
Step 11: Store it in a Dry Place
If you leave your sharpening stone sitting out while still wet or store it too close to a heater or some other source of heat, the stone will dry unevenly and become brittle over time. As a rule of thumb, you should always store your stone in a cool, dry place to keep it from breaking apart.
Some Tips and Suggestions
Here are some tips and suggestions on how to clean diamond sharpening stone.
1. The way to get the most out of your sharpening stone is to sharpen with it frequently. To do this, after using the stone (or stones) to sharpen your knives, spray them lightly with water and then wipe away any residue.
2. If you drop a wet or dry diamond sharpening stone on any hard surface, normal wear and tear will result. You should then discard the stone in a trash receptacle, not down a garbage disposal or sink drain.
3. To avoid damage when using your diamond sharpening stone, remember always to use it on a cutting board, never on an absorbent surface such as a towel or dishcloth. This is because the diamond dust will imbed in the cloth and become nearly impossible to remove.
4. After use and before you begin the process of cleaning the sharpening stone, be sure that all residues have been removed from its surface by wiping it clean with a damp cloth. Also, remember not to drop diamond stones on hard surfaces, as this may cause damage to the.
5. Never buy a diamond sharpening stone that is not coated with diamond dust. If a manufacturer does not disclose that its sharpening stone is coated, then assume it is not and take your business elsewhere.
6. Never use anything other than water to clean diamond sharpening stones. This means no bleach solution, vinegar, or ammonia-based cleaners, all of which can damage the quality of your knife’s edge.
7. If you need to dispose of a diamond sharpening stone, be sure that it is scorched before recycling or throwing it away in the trash.
Why Is Cleaning Your Diamond Stone Important?
As we mentioned earlier, never use soap or other cleaning agents on your diamond sharpening stone. Soap will leave behind a residue that can be difficult to remove and significantly reduce the effectiveness of the stone.
It is not necessary to clean your diamond sharpening stone very often, if at all. Still, you should do it before using it the first time (after purchasing), then before switching grits (to ensure even sharpening), and after using it on very dirty knives. It is recommended that you apply some lubricant or water to the stone before use. You can purchase these stones with a guard, which you should inspect before using.
You Can Check It Out to: Dress a Diamond Wheel
Is It Necessary to Use a Special Cleaner for Diamond Sharpening Stone?
Yes, it is. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to clean your sharpening stone. Most common diamond stones are not dishwasher safe and thus require hand washing. Also, remember never to use soap or detergent as these remove the grit of the diamond stone (even if it says they won’t). It is recommended that you use water only to clean them and wipe them dry immediately.
Remember never to use soap or any other household cleaning agents as these remove the grit of your diamond stone. It is recommended that you use water only to clean and wipe them dry immediately.
If the instructions by the manufacturer say your diamond stone is dishwasher safe or it has a non-stick coating, then go ahead and use the machine. It needs to be cleaned using soap and water once every month for maintenance purposes.
You Can Check It Out to: Clean a Pumice Stone
Conclusion
Cleaning your diamond sharpening stone is essential for the longevity of its use. You can clean it with a kitchen knife or any other hard surface that has been cleaned in advance and then apply water to remove residue from the blade. If you have not done so yet, please read our blog post on how to clean diamond sharpening stone following these steps.
These are the steps to clean your diamond sharpening stone. Remember these simple tips so you can have a long-lasting, high-quality product that will help bring out the best in all of your knives. If you have any questions or want to know more, then feel free to comment below! We will be happy to answer all of your questions about different types of knives and what might work best for you!
