You should also think about how often you use your knives. If you use them every day, they’re probably duller than if you only use them every once in a while.
Oil stones are a little messier to use and clean up although the stone will last for a long time. Diamond stones are the most expensive, but they’ll last the longest.
You may be able to choose a stone that has different grit levels on both sides.
Diamond stones can usually be used dry or lubricated with water.
Your knife might need a larger sharpening angle if the blade is very large or thick. If you’re using a very coarse stone, you may want an even shallower (lower) angle so you don’t sharpen off too much of the blade.
If your stone is too dry, it can scratch or nick your knife blades. Avoid putting an oil stone in water because this can damage it.
If you’re using a stone with different grits on both sides, place the coarser side facing up. This way you can quickly sharpen your knives before turning the stone over to polish up. You may want to use an old cloth for this since you won’t be able to wash the grit out of it.
You can use oil specifically sold as sharpening or honing oil. These are usually made of mineral oils or made with non-petroleum products. They contain additives that protect the metal of your blades. Avoid using cooking oils (such as vegetable or canola oil) to lubricate the stone.
Your fingertips on the blade can control the pressure and direction of the blade as you sharpen it.
Remember to wet or oil down the stone as soon as it starts to feel dry.
Be very cautious when touching any knife edge against your skin.
Always sharpen the knives evenly so the blade remains balanced. For example, if you used 6 strokes to sharpen the first side of the blade, you should also use 6 strokes to sharpen the other side of the blade.
To prevent your knives from dulling faster, store them in a knife block, on a magnetic strip, or with knife guard covers.
