Using a combination stone typically involves leveraging its two different grit surfaces to sharpen and refine an edge, moving from a coarser side to a finer side.
A combination stone is a versatile tool primarily used for sharpening blades like knives, scissors, and tools. As the name suggests, it combines two different sharpening grits on a single stone, usually on opposite sides.
According to the provided information, "This combination Stone typically has two colors it's got a dark ER gray right here which is kind of like a coarse grit sandpaper. And then a lighter gray here which is like a fine grit sandpaper."
This description highlights the core feature of a combination stone: one side (often darker or specifically labeled) is coarse for initial material removal and edge repair, while the other side (often lighter or labeled with a higher number) is fine for honing and polishing the edge.
Steps for Using a Combination Stone
The general process involves starting with the coarser side and finishing with the finer side.
- Preparation: Ensure the stone is properly lubricated. This is typically done with water or honing oil, depending on the stone type. This helps prevent the stone from clogging and keeps the surface lubricated during sharpening.
- Start with the Coarse Side:
- Identify the coarse grit side. Based on the reference, this is often the darker gray side, acting like "coarse grit sandpaper."
- This side is used to set the initial bevel, fix chips or damage, and significantly improve a very dull edge by removing material quickly.
- Hold your blade at the correct sharpening angle against the coarse side.
- Pass the blade across the stone, applying consistent pressure, working from the heel to the tip, and alternating sides of the blade after a set number of strokes (e.g., 10-20 strokes per side).
- Continue until a burr (a slight lip of metal) forms along the entire edge on the opposite side.
- Move to the Fine Side:
- Identify the fine grit side. According to the reference, this is often the lighter gray side, acting like "fine grit sandpaper."
- This side is used to remove the burr created by the coarse side, refine the edge, and polish it to sharpness.
- Maintain the same sharpening angle.
- Pass the blade across the fine side, again working from heel to tip and alternating sides.
- Use lighter pressure than you did on the coarse side. The goal here is refinement, not heavy material removal.
- Reduce the number of strokes per side as the edge gets sharper (e.g., start with 10 strokes, then 5, then 3, then single strokes).
- Finishing: The edge should feel smooth and sharp after using the fine side. You can test the sharpness carefully using methods like slicing paper.
Key Considerations
- Angle: Maintaining a consistent sharpening angle is crucial for achieving a sharp edge.
- Pressure: Use more pressure on the coarse side and less pressure on the fine side.
- Lubrication: Always keep the stone wet or oiled as required for its type.
- Cleanliness: Clean the stone periodically to remove accumulated metal filings.
By utilizing the coarse side for initial shaping and the fine side for polishing, a combination stone provides a complete sharpening solution in a single tool.
