Ceramic whetstones

[The Big Lebowski]

just wondered if anyone uses full size ceramic whetstones...
How you use them (pre soak?) and what long term use is like on them for wear and tear.
I gather they are not a cheap investment, but i have found a 3000/8000 grit for a reasonable price. Well, livable.

Managed to get some very high grit (no idea, 6000+ at a guess) ceramic plate from work and had a play over the weekend. The edge it puts on A2 steel is stunning. You can remove hair without feeling it. It jumps off the skin

I think I like ceramic... Muchly.

al.

 

[Hoodoo]

I have a Spyderco course, fine, and ultrafine. They are excellent. They don't wear down so they will stay true a long long time. They are not for reprofiling though, not even the coarse. But they are great for maintaining an edge and removing microchips. I use the ultrafine for quick touch up of my woodcarving tools. To maintain the stones, just get a rust eraser in medium grit. That's all I ever use to clean ceramic sticks and stones.

I do not soak or treat my ceramic stones with anything. Just use as is and clean with the eraser.

 

[The Big Lebowski]

Interesting, thanks!

The 3000/8000 was just planned for finishing. Judging by the ceramic plate I have at home, it would take a lifetime to put an edge on something, if you even could, but to get that last level where you can confidently say 'I'm done' it really surprised me.

I did, many moons ago use a ceramic steel for catering. Just never really thought about working tools/sharps until the other day.
There's something strangely satisfying when you find something that takes your sharpening abilities up a notch!
A few wipes on dried Tormek and its ridiculous.

Regards, al.

 

[Barn Owl]

The only place i could find a ceramic 'steel' like our metal ones was from San Franisco.
It can certainly edge my edges and / or at least as well as a leather strop.

 

[3bears]

I have a Spyderco course, fine, and ultrafine. They are excellent. They don't wear down so they will stay true a long long time. They are not for reprofiling though, not even the coarse. But they are great for maintaining an edge and removing microchips. I use the ultrafine for quick touch up of my woodcarving tools. To maintain the stones, just get a rust eraser in medium grit. That's all I ever use to clean ceramic sticks and stones.

I do not soak or treat my ceramic stones with anything. Just use as is and clean with the eraser.

+1 for the Spyderco stones, amazing kit!

 

[Shinken]

Bloomin expensive, out of everything ive used i like ceramic the best

 

[sasquatch]

Al-pm sent...

 

[The Big Lebowski]

The only place i could find a ceramic 'steel' like our metal ones was from San Franisco.
It can certainly edge my edges and / or at least as well as a leather strop.

Global have been doing them for years if it helps... You can buy just the replacement rods, and retro fit a handle to save a few quid! (you are, in effect paying £50/60 for the handle)

http://www.globalknives.uk.com/range/knife-sharpening-accessories/g-45-ceramic-sharpening-steel

http://www.russums-shop.co.uk/knive...ppc&utm_term=24519&utm_campaign=froogle#24519

I'm sorely tempted to just take the hit now, But due to an interesting pm, I might consider another avenue.

al.

 

[pauljm116]

Ive been wondering about investing in some ceramic whetstones. Anyone know of anywhere that sells them at a reasonable price?

 

[The Big Lebowski]

A dual sided 3000/8000 can be had from £60-80 although from doing a look-see around, the spyderco med/fine/ultra can be bought from HH £45 at a time.

Not cheap in any respects, but thanks to the reply's above, they seem to last a very, very long time by all accounts.
You may find something cheaper, not had much of a chance to search, as yet.

http://www.heinnie.com/product.asp?...&strPageHistory=search&numSearchStartRecord=1

 

[Asa Samuel]

Any chance of getting some more of the 6000+ grit plate?

 

[The Big Lebowski]

LoL!

I'll see what I can do... al.

 

[Graham_S]

I picked up a Spyderco Doublestuff Med/Fine for a decent price online.
After using it I think I can see a set of full size stones in my future.

 

[robin wood]

I have spyderco fine and ultra fine bench stones. They are good if you don't like spending time on maintenance. They are very hard so a bit more skaty giving less feedback than an equivalent grit waterstone but requiring far less maintenance. I tend to favour diamonds followed by spydercos when away from home and waterstones for proper sharpening at home, I do have the luxury of both to choose from though.

 

[robevs73]

I have a 3000 grit Japanes ceramic water stone from "the invisible edge" and it's great just as good as Icebear stones.