Tool Sharpening 101: Stones | Woodworking News

Different types of sharpening stones exist for a reason – there is not one type or style of stone that is best for every sharpening task. Choosing the one that best one is a matter of matching the best combination of advantages for your particular sharpening needs.

The three most common types of sharpening stones are oil stones, water stones, and diamond stones. There are also ceramic stones which are more commonly used for knife sharpening. Each of these stones has its own advantages that can help users achieve their sharpening goals.

Oil stones are the sharpening stones that we most commonly associate with tool blade sharpening because it is what many of us grew up using. The stones are made from Novaculite, Aluminum Oxide, or Silicon Carbide. Oil is used to remove the filings of stone or metal produced during use.

Natural Stones, known simply as Arkansas Stones are made from Novaculite and accounts for most of these stones. They are quarried in Arkansas, hence the…