Using a whetstone when sharpening blades causes uneven surface wear. Usually, more substance wears away in the center of the sharpening surface than at the edges. Regular dressing of the whetstone straightens it and allows for the best sharpening results time after time. There are several dressing techniques.
Suitable grit sizes
Special dressing blocks and diamond plate jigs are available commercially for dressing whetstones. They are expensive and rarely necessary for home use. Simpler dressing techniques are performed with two stones or with sandpaper. Dressing with two stones rubbed against each other produces the coarsest result.
If the honing stone is to produce razor sharp blades, dressing with wet sandpaper is recommended. Depending on the grit of the honing stone and its bond strength, the “counter grit” of the abrasive paper must be selected. Hard bond stones can already be sufficiently dressed with 1000 grit. Soft-bonded stones such as Japanese waterstones should be dressed with 3000 to 5000 grits. The starting grit is eighty for hard varieties and 200 for soft bond.
To dress a whetstone
- Wet sandpaper in three grit increments 80, 400 & 1000 or 200, 1000 & 3000.
- Water
- Pencil
- Glass plate
- Noise-proof base
1. mark stone
Use the pencil to draw a check pattern or parallel diagonal lines on the surface to be dressed. The distance between the lines should be about two centimeters.
2. water the stone
Place the whetstone in water in the same manner as you do before grinding. When no more air bubbles rise, it is ready for honing.
3. mount the grinding plate
Cut the sandpaper (80 grit or 200 grit) so that you can crease it over two end edge ends of the glass plate. Slightly moistening the glass plate will cause the emery paper to adhere.
4. sanding
Using circular motions, begin to either move the glass plate over the honing stone or guide the honing stone over the glass plate.
5. grinding steps
When the pencil lines have completely disappeared, draw a new pattern and increase the grit. Three passes are usually enough.
6. cleaning
Clean the dressed stone by thoroughly rinsing it with hot water to remove the grinding sludge.
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Elizabeth Green
Elizabeth Green is a seasoned home chef and culinary expert who has a passion for all things kitchen-related. With her extensive knowledge of the latest kitchen products and appliances, Elizabeth provides insightful reviews and recommendations to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions. Whether you're looking for a new refrigerator, blender, or cookware set, Elizabeth is your guide to finding the best kitchen products available in the UK.
