beating the dead horse of sharpening

[Shawn Russell]

I have been using Shaptons for about 2 years now and am very happy with the sharpening method I have. I am curious why do we use water with Shaptons and not just use oil/3-in-1 to sharpen with?

My thought is that it would make for easier cleanup and also keep the blade better protected I am just not sure what it would do to the stone.

[bridger berdel]

it would be interesting to ask the manufacturer.

[David Weaver]

Trust me, I've spilled oil on a shapton by accident before and had to lap it off. It didn't work well where the oil had spilled - it just glazes over and clogs. They are definitely designed to use water. Generally getting oil on a waterstone will cause the same thing.

We also don't have any clue what will happen to the resin over time if it's exposed to oils or other non-water based cutting fluids - it's possible that the resin could break down.