What Is an Oil Stone?

An Oil Stone is a type of sharpening stone that requires honing oil as a cutting fluid to facilitate the sharpening process. These stones are typically made from aluminum oxide or silicon carbide, and they are known for their durability and consistent wear over time. The use of oil prevents metal filings from clogging the abrasive surface, ensuring a smooth sharpening experience.

How Do Oil Stones Work?

Oil Stones work by grinding away metal to create a refined and sharp edge. Oil Stones require honing oil to prevent metal particles from accumulating on the stone’s surface. This results in a controlled cutting action that helps maintain an even edge on a variety of blades.

Why Choose an Oil Stone?

Durability and Longevity

Oil Stones wear down slowly, making them a long-lasting sharpening option.

Consistent Performance

They maintain their shape well and do not require frequent flattening like other options such as Water Stones.

Effective Cutting

Using oil as a cutting fluid helps keep metal filings from clogging the stone, maintaining effective sharpening performance.

Affordable and Widely Available

Oil Stones are a cost-effective choice and come in a variety of grits for different sharpening needs.

Types of Oil Stones

Aluminum Oxide vs. Silicon Carbide

Aluminum Oxide: A durable abrasive suitable for sharpening a wide range of steels. Aluminum Oxide stones are sometimes referred to by their Norton brand name, India stones.

Silicon Carbide: A fast cutting abrasive, great for very hard steels. Silicon Carbide stones are also commonly referred to as Carborundum stones, or by their Norton brand name, Crystolon stones. 

Best Oil Stones to Buy

Choosing a high-quality Oil Stone is essential for getting the best sharpening results. Here are some top recommendations:

• Norton India Stones – Slow wearing, durable sharpening stones, available in a variety of sizes
• Norton Crystolon Stones – The fastest cutting oil stones we sell, available in a variety of sizes.    
• Ultimate PLUS Oil Stone Kit – Everything you need to sharpen a wide variety of knives and tools.  

Each of these stones is available in different grits to suit various sharpening needs.

Ready to upgrade your sharpening setup? Browse our wide selection of Oil Stones here and find the perfect one for your needs!

If you need more help selecting the right Oil Stone for your needs, you can contact our Sharpening Specialists who have experience sharpening with all the Oil Stones we sell.