how long do you have to soak the stone in water before use?
1887189
Do NOT soak the 6000# grit (white) stone. Everything I have read states that because of the fitness of the grit, the can become fragile and crack. Soak only the lower grit (brownish) stones. see Korin website.
1887190
I suggest consulting experienced, profesional sources for guidance. I have had good success using the techniques described by this source: http://www.japanesechefsknife.com/howtosharpen.html They seem to be knowledgeable. Good luck!
1887191
I found that you need to soak it about 20 minutes, I use a tupperware tub that covers the whole stone. Don't store it in water, just soak it before using it.
886441
Just on the stone somewhat but not really. You pretty much need to know already. Sorry,I'm not much help. Nice stones though as they have a rubber on the bottom and they don't move all over like the others that don't have rubber. There's not much to know on these. Just scratch your piece and put solution on. Now your solution will usually tell you with their directions on how to use the stone and solution..
1206303
You would have to closely follow the instructions. I just wasn't able to keep up with it. It upset the balance of my tank but did clear it. I have 3 stones I no longer use b/c I am not diligent in the upkeep required to properly use the stone.
480286
I can't say for sure. I usually turn it on before we soak our feet. We use it for pedicures at home. I place stones on the bottom rack and they are ready when the towels are ready. I'd like to say around 15 - 20 minutes. It works great!
1582470
I would not use oil.. just soak in water for bout ten minutes, then add a lil to the top while using ..oil soaks in and cause metal filings to inbed in to the stone & won't sharpen as well..
1763533
I have used oil and just water. Both work great but, I'd use one or the other. Other wise, it will just wear out the stone. I was just using the stone to sharpen my lawn mower blade and my machete, today. It's an awesome stone.
2030244
Since its a whetstone, you should be soaking it in water before you use it and keep it moist during use. This will create a slurry during sharpening. I sharpen over the sink and rinse the knife between inspections.
688405
No! Do NOT use oil with this type of stone! You will ruin it. They are designed to be used with water. Just, soak the stone, for a few minutes, in clean water and then add a sprinkle of water every few strokes as you are sharpening to wash the swarf from the surface of the stone. I noticed the sharpening oil advertised with this, and it is misleading. I use these stones with my hand planes and chisels, etc for woodworking and you cannot get a better edge than with a water stone. You can quite literally get a mirror finish if you go to 6000 grit or finer. The only drawback is the stones need to be flattened occasionally. No! Do NOT use oil with this type of stone! You will ruin it. They are designed to be used with water. Just, soak the stone, for a few minutes, in clean water and then add a sprinkle of water every few strokes as you are sharpening to wash the swarf from the surface of the stone. I noticed the sharpening oil advertised with this, and it is misleading. I use these stones with my hand planes and chisels, etc for woodworking and you cannot get a better edge than with a water stone. You can quite literally get a mirror finish if you go to 6000 grit or finer. The only drawback is the... » Read More No! Do NOT use oil with this type of stone! You will ruin it. They are designed to be used with water. Just, soak the stone, for a few minutes, in clean water and then add a sprinkle of water every few strokes as you are sharpening to wash the swarf from the surface of the stone. I noticed the sharpening oil advertised with this, and it is misleading. I use these stones with my hand planes and chisels, etc for woodworking and you cannot get a better edge than with a water stone. You can quite literally get a mirror finish if you go to 6000 grit or finer. The only drawback is the stones need to be flattened occasionally. « Show Less
2240544
we wash our granite top with soap & water. works fine. make sure it's cool 1st. also we found it best to allow plenty of time for the stone to heat thru.
1377359
Yes, make sure you put it in the oven when you preheat the oven. And make sure the stone is completely dry otherwise it can crack
2079891
NOTHING, have never had that problem. don't scrap on the stone, just wash with soapy water, and let dry.
936025
The other answers to this question are correct. Make sure that the stone is very hot. Depending on what you are coming, use corn meal on the stone. DO NOT use a non stick spray on the stone.
429786
We just use a little dish sop and warm water. For baked on residue, we soak it for about 20 minutes first.
492909
It's best to preheat with oven. Remember to sprinkle corn meal on when preheating. Just lightly cover the stone.
2195610
I only just got my stone a few months ago, but it is still in great shape. I did some research, and others say it will last for years. To me, it seems as if it will last for years as it is solidly built. Also, it can be safely sanitized by soaking it in any sanitizing liquid or solution. Or, you can use a nail brush and bleach to unclog and sanitize.
1199630
Basically the water creates suction with the water in the base and holds the stone. Along with the ridge on the base you wont be losing the stone any time soon. Even if you didn't have the base the friction from the stone on most surfaces will keep it stationary.
561991
Either water or oil will prevent steel particles from clogging the stone. Using water on an oiled stone may give poor results. May take a lot of oil to soak through, but once completely soaked the stone would only need additional oil added to it periodically. Water stones need water every time.