Sharpening Stones - Oil vs Water

A.G. weighs in on the question of using Oil or Water on your sharpening stones

[@zedwms]

3:14 "In my twenties, I cared about what people thought about me. In my forties, I didn't care what people thought about me. In my sixties, I realized nobody was thinking about me." (Thank you for this whet stone tutorial)

[@nowonmetube]

Who said that?

[@rkf2746]

"In my sixties, I realized nobody was thinking about me." LoL!! Isn't that the damn truth!!!

[@davidmarzolino7159]

"I've not had a need to impress people in a long time" Thank you sir, I will remember that quote.

[@jeremibourassaphotographer5058]

That line actually made me click like on the video. Was impressed. XD

[@JPuckett89]

Loved that line for sure. Brought a smile to my face.

[@MasterofPlay7]

well cuz he's out of business for a long time...

[@738polarbear]

MasterofPlay7 His company is thriving . What you said is not true at all

[@unglaubiger5645]

wise and inspiring words

[@blakefairchild1054]

I bought my first handmade knife from Mr. Russell in 1977. At that time he was working out of a very small shop, and a small showroom. After that first purchase of his Morseth 6" Bowie, I subsequently bought more than a dozen of his knives, in various lengths and styles. After using his knives as a U.S. Marine all over the world for the last 40 years, I can honestly say that buying his knives were the best investment that I have ever made.

[@bluehornet197]

And what is his brand of knife called? If a Marine is saying a blade is good then a blade must be good cause well you guys are trained how to use and maintain weapons

[@WishfulWanderers]

Don't think I've ever felt so comforted by hearing a person talk. I didn't even need this video and I still watched the whole thing 😂

[@LocoPhoenix-rn6so]

Ditto. 😂

[@jpjeffery17]

I love this guy ..... Wish he was my grandpop! I'd know everything!

[@dhutch12345]

He has that voice that relaxes you as you listen to,he could be a good hypnotist,his voice takes me back to a time when things were more peaceful.🦅🕊️✌️

[@jasonpoe5360]

I clicked on this bc I knew this guy: A. Has experience and wisdom. B. Wouldn't blab a lot bc he loves to hear himself talk. C. Is no-nonsense, bc he wears suspenders.

[@gbwildlifeuk8269]

bc? You mwan because? Why make a quiz for people to solve when communicating? Talk English you cretin.

[@jeramybearamy8539]

gbwildlife uk from the person that spells “mean” with a w ;)

[@SaMpl3_T3xt]

the suspenders are like 99% of the reason people click, i'm sure of it

[@alangeorgebarstow]

@@SaMpl3_T3xt In the UK, suspenders are what women wear to hold their nylon stockings (hosiery) up. Men wear braces to hold up their trousers ("pants").

[@desertfoxxx98]

Braces.

[@mcpatticakes]

". . .because I've long ago given up splitting hairs." A most delicious pun. I feel I must be an old soul to have picked up on this pun. Your delivery sir was superb. Thank you.

[@jaytw7287]

Big thanks! Mr. Russell, your calm and quiet disposition reminds me so much of my daddy. When I was a kid I used to love to watch daddy sharpen the knives. From a little step stool in the kitchen, I'd stand on that thing and get tall enough to see the counter. I'd ask him "can I try"? to which he'd respond "One day when you're older, but for now just watch." So I would watch. When daddy finished a knife he would laugh and say "See how sharp it is? You can cut your finger off if you don't know what you are doing or worse yet you can ruin a good knife!" Fast-forward fifty-five years: I've got two hammer-forged Hickory knives. Because my daddy taught me well (and because I learned the hard way too) I don't let anyone know where those two knives are. No matter how many times I've said "get that knife off the wet counter" , I'd find that knife on the wet counter. Folks these days don't appreciate good knives! I came totally unglued one day when my housekeeper put ALL the Hickory knives and other wooden handled knives in the dish-washer (on high heat!) When I opened that stainless steal dish-washer two days later, all I could see was a coat of rust on the inside door. Then I saw all of my Hickory knives along with every other kitchen knife in the silver-ware rack - nice and washed and rusted! They had been through Calgon and JetBreeze! I've taken enough of your time.

[@Sphinx-sk6bg]

Terrible story about the dishwasher...

[@bluehornet197]

I have a rule when it comes to kitchen knifes wash and sharpen them by hand if it's normal cutlery then yea throw in the dishwasher if it's meant to slice and dice then i wash and sharpen by hand

[@LocoPhoenix-rn6so]

Horrible story. Horrible housekeeper. Lazy, disposable society we live in . Shame.

[@stuartwrightn.d.9483]

Bless Your Heart, Sir.

[@inurwife1]

More youth need to access and respect those with a few more years of actual life experience. Thank you Mr. Russell.

[@der0keks]

Yeah, this guy is legit and to be listened to. Unfortunately he is few and far between.

[@codemans22]

Did you as a youth? They do it they're bought up rite mate

[@jamespeters5913]

This man had more knowledge in his head than all of us together will never be able to read about...amazing!!😮❤

[@jeffthomas4321]

I have to say, you impress me while not giving a care of wether you impress me or not! You have more knowledge in the tip of your pinky finger than most have in their whole body. Thank you for passing on you knowledge, I know I truly appreciate it as I’m sure others do as well.

[@richnittinger6671]

I always feel blessed learning from an Ole timer. Bless you friend

[@laius6047]

theres so many videos on youtube about sharpening blades, but this 6 min video probably my favourite :) that old bastard sharpened blades for eye surgeons, you can't argue with him about sharpening :D

[@thejoker73utoob]

Ice Carpenter so true he's a master of his craft

[@donjuanmckenzie4897]

Watch me

[@738polarbear]

Words from the master.Probably the best and most genuine vido on You Tube.about sharpening.

[@TheReddog1979]

Thank you Mr Russell for sharing your knowledge.

[@glytch5]

haha, this guy is awesome. Using the coarse diamond paste to dress a stone is a very interesting idea.

[@BuckingFastard]

Damn, just be known Russel, you’ve inspired many. Your art will continue in big numbers as the years pass and your contribution will forever be remembered among those who know what handmade really means.

[@excat]

This gentlemen here is such a treasure. Thank you for sharing some history and the wisdom of your experiences.

[@user-fs3iy7em2t]

The amount of History & experience that this Gentleman has towards his specific profession is probably second to none when it comes to his wealth of knowledge in this industry... It was an honor to hear you speak Sir, and thank you for clearing that up... Now I gotta figure out if my Alum Oxide Sharpening stone, that my grandfather gave me, has been used with water or oil??...any advice on that??

[@koh9894]

I love that splitting hairs comment too.. "I've not had a need to impress people in a long time" . Perfect!

[@mikloshejjas114]

Oil-soaked stones can also be used with water after cleaning them out. When submerged in boiling water for a longer period (30-60min) it will slowly purge out the oil from the stone. You may have to repeat it once again after cleaning up the stone. To be clear, it is not something anybody would do on a monthly basis, at least not with a sound mind.

[@scotttucker5331]

Reminds me so much my grandpa's ,The wisdom these men and women had sure could teach us all ..

[@omar1s1]

Greatly appreciated and your lack of "need to impress people" is impressive in it's own right and inspiring. Thanks for sharing your accumulated wealth of knowledge!

[@expressyourselfist]

Oh man ,you are a treasure in todays world, you have a knowledge of the trade and you are able to pass it to others in unprecedented way.

[@Evie3331]

I love that, "I've not had a need to impress people for a long time." Isn't that a great life lesson right there 😁

[@MH-53E]

A good and very wise young man...

[@larrystorm6374]

I too have not had a need to impress people for a long time either! Well said my friend!

[@MimiDidi121]

It's somewhat ironic. I'm sitting here with an A.C. Russel knife that belonged to my late brother and an Arkansas whetstone like my papaw carried in his pocket looking for videos that show me the proper technique.

[@thiaancoetzee6250]

You do impress. Thank you for being so humble. Would love to have known you

[@robert574]

What a great video. I really enjoyed listening to you talk. You're a natural born speaker.

[@hojoinhisarcher]

Thanks old man.You are impressive.As a young man I used oil on my carboundrum stone then tried water with terrible results.As an old man I have just bought a new hone setup for my woodwork chisels as I replace my worn out tools and always wondered if I could use water on a carboundrum stone.

[@bluracer766]

54 years old and I'm tired of trying "Miracle Sharpeners'' with only mediocre results, I'm going to retry my 2 Arkansas stones with some mineral oil.

[@rembiszclan1]

Thank you, Sir.

[@NanoGh0s1]

You are entertaining, sir. Thank you for your time 👍

[@BlueLineofthesky]

I love and respect this man.

[@TheUncleRuckus]

Great wealth of knowledge here. Thank you so much for clearing that up, much appreciated.

[@bassxpro]

i want this dude to be my grandpa

[@elhorrendo7026]

Ditto that!

[@TheCulturalCompass]

Lol ❤️

[@Resolute900]

So calm and collected, so full of experience and wisdom. Soothing to the ears. So good, you could fall asleep

[@kimfielding8010]

I could listen to this ol' gents knowledge all day n best part of the night Thank you sir

[@clems6989]

This is the 1st video of yours i have watched. And I must say, I'm impressed Great Job and thank you s for sharing your knowledge!

[@lorenwoodson9164]

Thank you. I wish I had known this when I chose to use oil on my arkansas stones decades ago. Water seems to be easier to use and clean up.

[@randallwilliams9663]

You can still switch to water with that stone. Just soak it in hot water to clean it. And then switch. That stone can be switched back and forth. It is not ruined

[@lorenwoodson9164]

@@randallwilliams9663 Thanks, very helpful

[@kareno8634]

I Now Know Much more than Water or Oil on a Sharpening Stone. Thanks so much ~ peace

[@Isack4]

This was wonderful, insightful and exactly the type of video that gives you the confidence to throw yourself into it!

[@justindunlap1235]

It's funny I should come across your video while researching whetstones, I just purchased one of your carbon fiber and sandalwood Damascus folders and absolutely be love it.

[@roughroosterknifesharpenin5531]

this man speaks great knowledge.

[@stillwater62]

I grew up using Arkansas Oil Stones, but later in life I discovered Japanese water stones and have never looked back. All of my kitchen knives, along with my pocketknife, are sharpened on water stones, and I have a large selection of makes, and grits, natural and manmade. Not because I need them, but because I like to collect them. They will put as sharp of an edge on a knife, that is practical for it to have. I really enjoy using mine.

[@AGRussellKnivescompany]

Japanese waterstones work a bit different from Arkansas Stones, but they are definitely a very good option, especially when you want to get into the ridiculously sharp realms.

[@michaelstevenson8612]

This guy knows his stuff!

[@garyclaunch6362]

My great grandfather showed me and he would spit on his stone every few minutes then use the bottom of a ceramic plate and then a razor strap and he could shave his arm hair! I enjoyed yer video sir!

[@bluehornet197]

Oh you mean a strop year i thought it was a strap to but no it's a strop

[@Mabaz]

Thank you Mr. Russell

[@SI-tm3cc]

Thank you for your help.

[@Fireworxs2012]

*Living legend people..Listen up...This Man knows his business*

[@jomphoto3243]

what a top bloke. geday from 'straya

[@timmiehawkins1073]

Thank you sir I always look for the older 2 give me information because they know more than us young ones do thank you sir

[@freecheese4143]

Thanks sir. I learned stuff I've wanted to know for years on that topic. For outdoorsman I see now what water.

[@Y_N_K_888]

Whoever disliked this video must be intimidated by this apex grandpa.

[@8329kelso]

No you couldn't make that comment 200 years ago because you were not here. Sorry you walked into that I just had to.

[@izodmartin]

I like this guy... more information in 1 video then the 10 I watched today.

[@SpaceMonkey23101]

Interesting point at the end about not needing to sharpen knives to the point where they can split hairs. I've found this too - there really isn't any point taking an edge to that level. It won't last more than a few cuts, so why bother? It's a party trick.

[@abebeaku8369]

Unless you are sharpening a cutthroat blade for shaving

[@jeremychmelik7952]

As a wood worker I can tell you the sharper you can get your chisel the cleaner your joints will be. I want these stones.

[@Perspari]

Brilliant, what a gem

[@dunesurfermt5004]

Nice guy, honest as can be.

[@renzo4296]

Thank you very much sir for your tutorial and wisdom, I really enjoyed this.

[@caelanshpak2007]

I was never sure what stone to use when sharpening I've used them both and personally I prefer water and stones mostly just because they're less messy than oil

[@CleverGuyTrevor-mz6df]

A) Thank you for sharing your wisdom. B) Unsolicited request/ opinion- PLEASE start a new channel: A.G. narrates literally anything. It would be a bonafide smash. You sir, have got yourself some Morgan Freeman caliber vocal goods, I could be perfectly content listening to you read the label of a shampoo bottle. C) I think A.G. might be the only person on the entire internet who doesn't give an individual hoot about impressing anyone... Ironically, I find this delightfully impressive. Color me satisfied A.G. I appreciate you. ✌🏻

[@jjjoooojjj]

"I don't have need to impress people for the long time" - My man ..!!

[@arisskarpetis]

What a dude! Lived through the Stone Age all the way to the Laser Age.

[@XanderFrederick]

This Man could be dead wrong but im hanging onto every word as the gospel. He's the embodiment of "wisdom of elders". I would listen to him explain anything. Lol

[@cfcreative1]

I like water better it doesn't gum up the stone. I am using a super soft stone that came with my Stanley kit to sharpen my chisel.

[@Diplorable]

I'd much rather learn from my predecessors who have many years experience plus I have nothing but respect and love for these guys! It's a dang shame people don't respect their elders as much as they used to! I'm right there with you I don't feel the need to impress people I really don't care what people think!

[@arxangelmixael]

alcohol, glycol, Magnesium based soap, ultrasound to clean the stone.

[@RenaRoo123]

Thank you sir!!

[@sarcasmsociety9517]

Reminds me of my grandpa. Like most videos on KZbin , it seems like it’s takes an hour just to get the ******* point of it all . I love this video best of any video on KZbin. It’s honest , his OWN opinion. I noticed people now a days don’t form an opinion about anything anymore due to the fact that they are stupid . They will use someone else’s opinion . “Why” ? If you ask !!??..laziness in my own opinion. Nobody wants to think anymore . They stop making authenticity. People be original. Be you . Stop being someone else ,and have a .....thought of your own . Wow did I end up here ??...wtf ???...on that note video was straight to the point unlike this comment: peace ✌️

[@dougjohnsonbushcraftandbjj5561]

Wow. I just use my stone dry and then wash/clean it afterwards. Been doing so for a couple years with no issues

[@nowonmetube]

It gets the job done but water or oil is superior in every way

[@bluehornet197]

It will do the trick but if you want a sharper finer edge use water or oil it gives the blade something to drag across reducing friction but if it works for you then keep doing it but try other methods i prefer water to oil cause water doesn't make a mess but i know guys who prefer oil over water so it all depends kn what you personally prefer

[@gunner3548]

Same here. When I sharpen free hand I use my stones dry, and then I strop. My blades are razor sharp.

[@daibhiseaghdha153]

I boiled the oil stone in soda crystals in water to get the oil out. it takes a few times

[@henryskinner1092]

You should be like this grandpa. Everyone should.

[@scottbrown3444]

thank you. very cool and informative

[@rakus-ilmu]

Thanks grandpa...

[@Nonunusmultorum]

He is still sharp as a tack

[@nickk948]

Thankyou sir. You're a fountain of knowledge .

[@onearnedbandit]

Complete respect sir

[@C-NoteMac]

Very interesting!

[@KingLuigi.saidso]

I like this old man I hope he's all right

[@erinslack5405]

very impressive!

[@lz_377]

First time I’ve heard splitting hairs meaning actually taking a piece of hair and splitting it in half.

[@MrMawnster]

"splitting hairs" hahahha funny guy. Thanks for the info!

[@friedegg1936]

or you can use them dry.

[@mikerollins7151]

Thank you Sir

[@joecoffee968]

Forgive my ignorance but I have never understood why it is necessary to use either water or oil when sharpening. Long ago I began using a little sharpening kit with a one course and one Diamond set of rods that can stick up out of a piece of wood at an angle. I don't use any oil in my knife gets pretty Sharp. However obviously there is some logical purpose for people using oil or water on a whetstone. Can someone tell me why or what is the purpose of that? Thank you.

[@AGRussellKnivescompany]

As you sharpen, small pieces of metal (and sometimes the sharpening material itself), called Swarf, is released. If you sharpen dry, this material will clog up your sharpening stone and significantly reduce your "cutting efficiency" (the rate at which material is removed from your knife). Sharpening wet helps keep the stone clean, makes clean up easier, and requires less maintenance on the stone. Stones sharpened dry often have to be resurfaced. Traditional wisdom is to always use either oil or water on your whetstone. Diamond stones are said to be able to be used either dry or wet - though tests may indicate wet is better - even ones designed with Swarf Holes. Ceramic stones are typically used dry. -Jake

[@joecoffee968]

@@AGRussellKnivescompany Thank you so much sir. Very informative video.

[@MimiDidi121]

Don't you use spit? lol I'm only half teasing. I'm an Arky. I wish I'd watched my papaw closer as he pulled his whetstone from his pocket, added a little spit and sharpened his pocket knife and tested it by shaving the hairs on his arms. He did a lot of wittlin" just for fun, not making anything special unless it was a tooth pick or a piece of wood to fix something in the chicken house or the milk barn!

[@kitsune_surge]

thank god for gramps

[@275369]

The heck with wanting him as my grandpa! I wanna be him. Have his knowledge, have his experience!

[@eova]

When you know your shit, you leave the impressing thing to the insecure newbies! Well said master

[@OthO67]

Hello from Maine, we have the same last name.

[@barbecueddeer395]

I bought a $25 tri stone from walmartits smiths 6 inch 3 stones. I used oil on all 3 of them then ran out can i use water on it now.

[@AGRussellKnivescompany]

Nope - water won't work nearly as well once oil has been used.

[@barbecueddeer395]

@@AGRussellKnivescompany thank you i have already used water on it but could I go back to oil and can I use gun oil.

[@AGRussellKnivescompany]

@@barbecueddeer395 Gun oil can be a lot of things - but I'd probably lean towards no. You want an oil that won't gum up the stone. Best bet is to get some honing oil. Sewing machine oil or mineral oil can also work. agrussell.com/knife/Washita-Honing-Oil--WM-OIL3

[@ColossalSwordFormAndTechnique]

Mineral oil works faster for me when sharpening. 10 strokes each side of the edge

[@Gorkilein]

I got a question... If I have an thuringian stone like Escher. All say you can't use them with oil, they will clog up. But the former manufacturer told me you can and I think I saw also an old Escher label saying use with water or oil. So can I? Can't I just rub fresch oil on them and whipe the surface to get old remains iff them as on my Turkish oil stone?

[@AGRussellKnivescompany]

Once oil soaks into a stone, it is permanently an oil stone - typically. Continue to use oil on them.

[@Gorkilein]

I know but do you know if you can use Escher or other Thuringian stones with oil without problems? I dint want to ruin such rare and expensive stone by using oil on it.

[@AGRussellKnivescompany]

The manufacturer usually knows best. And there are always exceptions. But for the most part, Escher or Thuringian stones should be used with water only. With the Thuringian stones especially you want to build up a bit of slurry while sharpening. If you aren't getting the results you want, that's an indication you may need to lap the stones.

[@nowonmetube]

fresch? 😂

[@bluehornet197]

@@AGRussellKnivescompany i do need to ask my whetstone says on the box to clean it with kerosene couldn't you theoretically soak it in kerosene and wouldn't the kerosene take the oil from the stone?

[@gregoryjohnson3627]

Nice video. 1.5x playback speed.

[@Trac3r.]

Sir I would be very interested in buying a set off you I’m in the UK though I’m a sword collector and want a new set of stones and you’ll sell me a set I’ll need

[@AGRussellKnivescompany]

Unfortunately we are not currently shipping internationally. We will announce on our Facebook page when we plan to resume shipping internationally.

[@Trac3r.]

A.G. Russell Knives that is perfectly fine by all means as I said I am going to need a full set of stones I have Jiang straight long swords hand forged always demands extra care and top kit so I’ll happily wait until you resume shipping.

[@wross5961]

dunno never a big deal to leave a honing oil bottle in the fishing box for oil stones

[@user-fs3iy7em2t]

If Eye surgeons come to you for a need of "Sharper tools"... Then you are well beyond the need of impressing people for sure! 😳

[@randallwilliams9663]

I disagree. I soak all stones in water then, I put oil on them as I sharpen. And it works fine on all stones! But, sometimes I use only water and sometimes only oil or both like I already said. It all works fine! He should know this. Which he does. No disrespect. But, this is something that everyone will learn as you sharpen for yourself

[@asahoura2798]

This wise old gentleman sounds just a bit like Jimmy Stewart.

[@BruceNitroxpro]

I'm only 78, and I must agree with you. Not only do I not try and impress people, people tend to be impressed by idiots who do it for pay... they are called politicians.