Sharpening Knives on an Oil Stone vs. Whet Stone?

I have inherited my Dad's sharpening stone, and my knives are in dire need of a new edge. The difference is that the stone is immersed in oil, and I have to rotate it around to use the different grains. My question is whether I use the oil on his stone as you guys use the water? After a few passes, do I rotate it to get it wet with oil again or is the technique different? I attached a picture of the stone in case I have nomenclature wrong. Thanks!

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Comments

Chris_Young_80640

@chrisdapos The technique is not different. The oil simply acts as a lubricant that builds up with grit that helps grind the knife. Same idea as waterstones. We've just published some demonstrations on knife sharpening on ChefSteps. Let us know if these videos help.

http://www.chefsteps.com/activities/how-to-sharpen-a-knife

Johan_Edstrom_5586

Great video. I like how things are explained in a way that makes sense to someone with an engineering background.

I have a tough time with hausfrau kitchen advice that isn't substantiated by fact.

borgech

These videos are really awesome. I find that watching, doing, re-watching and then doing again works best for me. I am sure that with practice my blades will be sharp enough to act as a straight razor.

Johan_Edstrom_5586

On the recommended stones page, is it the kit with 2 stones that you flip that you'd recommend?

Or is this a better purchase? http://www.epicedge.com/shopexd.asp?id=89803

Chris_Young_80640

This is the one I have: http://www.epicedge.com/shopexd.asp?id=80085

But the one you suggest would be fine too.

Chris_Young_80640

@chrisdapos: Glad you like the videos. I'll be sure to let Grant know.

eliaspontikos

Knife sharpening is such a huge topic with lots of different ideas and techniques about how to achieve the best results. I've used used the "In the kitchen" and "keep sharp" forums on www.knifeforums.com for a lot information as well as www.chefknivestogo.com. I don't use the "freehand" techniques shown here as I don't trust myself in keeping the correct angle consistently. I use a product called Edge Pro Apex (www.edgeproinc.com) and all my knives are always razor sharp.

borgech

On this same topic, I want to purchase a new honing steel. When I search on Amazon however, all I come up with is sharpening steel. Is there something in particular that I should look for when buying a new honing steel?

Chris_Young_80640

@chrisdapos: Here's a perfectly good honing steel, aka sharpening steel, on amazon: http://amzn.to/Vm6DIe

borgech

@Chris: Thanks, I'll be ordering that one!