Answer
Aug 30, 2025 - 03:51 AM
It depends on the type of stone you are using.
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If the stone is porous (traditional water stones, vitrified, or bonded abrasives): once you introduce oil, it penetrates into the stone. After that, it’s almost impossible to switch back to water or soapy water, because the pores will stay saturated with oil.
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If the stone is non-porous (CBN or Diamond on metal plates, resin, or glass): you can easily switch back and forth. The oil stays only on the surface, and it can be wiped off without long-term effect.
The honing oil itself is like other light oils, but it washes off fairly easily from the surface — the challenge is deeper absorption if the stone is water-soaking by nature.
👉 In short:
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Water stones → choose one method and stick with it.
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CBN / Diamond stones → safe to go back to soapy water after oil.
