Proper way 1691Mr Libido Incognito Actually the oil used with an oilstone is also used as a lubricant, reduces friction making it easier to move the blade and at a more uniform rate. Actually not...
biig
Sharon, Most can-opener sharpeners are very bad for a good knife blade. Don't even think about it, unless you know for sure yours is ok. As for the stone, the general rule is to hold the knife at about a 15 degree angle to the stone as you slide it forward. A little oil on the stone will make it slide easier. Some people are very particular about the kind of oil (from the ptuitary gland of a young (between 8 mos and 1.4 yrs), male, Northern Siberian Yellow Yak), but I've used WD-40, cooking oil, and everything else with no noticeable difference. Just enough to wet the stone. Alternate stroked in each direction, like you're trying to take a very thin slice off the top of the stone. To be honest, I've sharpened my good knives by hand since the early 70's, until last year. I heard good things about the Wusthof hand sharpener (wood handle with little ceramic wheels to sharpen the blade) and it works very well. Takes minutes to sharpen all my knives now! Of course, a decent electric sharpener is even better, but good ones cost close to $100, at least the last time I looked at them they did. Not worth it to me for something I only use a few times a year. You don't need to sharpen your knives often it you use the steel on them every time you use the knife. Hope this helps in your world.
