Can You Sharpen a Knife on a Normal Stone?

Sharpening knives is an essential skill, and surprising tools can often come in handy. While specialized sharpening stones are the norm, certain types of natural stones can be used to achieve a decent edge. This article explores the capabilities of normal stones for sharpening knives and provides a detailed guide on the process.

Defining Normal Stones

Normal stones, in the context of knife sharpening, refer to everyday rocks found in nature or around the household. Unlike purpose-built sharpening stones, these natural stones vary greatly in composition and are not specifically designed for the task. However, they can still be effective for basic knife sharpening, provided the right technique and stone are used.

Effective Natural Stones for Knife Sharpening

Several types of natural stones are known to work well for knife sharpening. Here are a few examples:

River Stones

River stones, particularly brown river stones, are excellent for sharpening knives. By cutting and lapping down these stones, you can achieve a very sharp edge. Tiles saws or any cutting tool can be used to ensure a flat surface for optimal sharpening results.

Slate

Slate is an easily accessible and versatile stone for knife sharpening. Using the same lapping method as river stones, slate can provide a good edge. Its affordability and workability make it a popular choice among knife enthusiasts.

Quartz

Common quartz cut stones are exceptionally effective for sharpening. They are easily found in volcanic areas and can be as good or even better than the synthetic sharpening stones you purchase. However, finding a flat stone of sufficient quality can be challenging.

Stone Selection and Technique

The finer the edge you aim for, the more careful you need to be in both stone selection and technique. Here are the steps to ensure a successful sharpening process:

Using a Found Stone

I have a stone I found in the river, which is carbon foricine. I initially thought it was onyx but found out it’s carbon foricine. Over the years, I've used this for polishing the finest edge possible on my knives. Other hard carbon stones, also found in volcanic areas, can achieve an edge as fine as glass. However, finding a flat stone can be problematic, as they are often picked through for sharpening.

Sharpening Techniques

To sharpen knives, first, select the appropriate stone. A silicon carbide stone is commonly used due to its versatility. It has a coarse side and a fine side.

Sharpening Process

Prepare the Stone: Oil the stone, using a drop or two of light oil (such as 3in1) on the coarse side. An oil stone is ideal for this purpose. Position the Knife: Hold the knife free-handed and rub the edge against the stone at approximately 15 degrees. Check Progress: Continue sharpening until you see a new, bright edge running along the entire length of the blade. Repeat on the other side. Refine the Edge: Switch to the fine side of the stone and repeat the process until all coarse scratch marks are ground out by the finer scratch marks. Final Polish: Once the desired edge is achieved, strop the new edge with a leather strop rubbed with a buffing compound. The buffing compound should be a fine abrasive in a wax-based medium.

By following these steps, you can achieve a sharp edge that is comparable to or even surpasses the results obtained with purpose-built sharpening stones.

Conclusion

While normal stones are not the optimal choice for professional-grade sharpening, they can still be effective for basic knife sharpening when used with the right technique. Proper selection and preparation of the stone, along with the meticulous grinding and honing process, can yield excellent results.