This time, we will introduce inquiries related to whetstones in a Q&A format. We hope this will be helpful not only to beginners but also to those who enjoy sharpening on a regular basis.
Q. The whetstone has changed color.
A. When I tried to use the whetstone for the first time in a while, I noticed a white substance on the surface... Could it be mold? We may receive inquiries such as:
This is a phenomenon that can occur due to the manufacturing method of whetstones, and depending on storage conditions, temperature, etc., there may be partial discoloration or patterns may appear. Even if this occurs, the grinding power of the whetstone will not decrease, so you can continue to use it as is.
On the other hand, if the shape of the whetstone is affected, such as when the whetstone falls apart even though you are not doing anything, or when the whetstone is shaved off more than expected while sharpening, there is a problem with the quality or how it is being used. Please contact the place of purchase as soon as possible!
Q. How should I use a whetstone that doesn't have a manual and I don't know how to use it?
A. I'm sure there are many people who have a whetstone lying somewhere in their home that doesn't have an outer box or label and that they don't know how to use.
If you know the manufacturer, it would be best to contact them, but in most cases, the logo that would have been printed on such whetstones is faded and difficult to identify. So, here are some points to check on your own.
The first thing to check is whether or not flooding is necessary. If you do this incorrectly, you may damage the knife the moment you sharpen it.
A simple way to check is to sprinkle a small amount of water on a dry whetstone.
If water is absorbed instantly, the whetstone should be soaked for about 10 minutes before use. On the other hand, if water is repelled, please use a lot of water while sharpening.
Next is the important grain size of the whetstone.
If the surface of the whetstone has a rough texture, it can be considered a rough whetstone and there is no problem. Use such whetstones when you need to change the shape of the blade, such as when repairing a chipped blade.
Distinguishing between a medium whetstone and a finishing whetstone requires some practice by visual inspection or touch, but if a whetstone has a glossy surface even when not wet, there is a high possibility that it is a finishing whetstone.
Q. What is clogged eyes?
A. Clogging is a condition in which the abrasive material on the surface of the whetstone is clogged and hidden. There is a high possibility that there is a blockage.
Maintaining the whetstone will prevent it from clogging, so after every sharpening, be sure to scrape the surface with a resurfacing whetstone or a whetstone with a similar grain size to the whetstone you are currently using.
Q. I would like to know what to do if the surface of the whetstone is gouged or dug.
A. When sharpening a knife, the edge of the knife may get caught and scrape off part of the surface of the whetstone. If you continue sharpening, the blade may get caught on the gouged part and cause unexpected injury, so use the resurfacing whetstone to sharpen the entire surface of the whetstone until the cut part is flat.
By fixing it to a flat surface, it can be used safely again.
Q. How to store whetstones.
A. After sharpening the surface of the whetstone, wash it with room temperature water, dry it completely in the shade, and then store it in a well-ventilated place.
Please be careful not to pour boiling water on it or expose it to direct sunlight as this may cause it to become deformed.
Q. I would like to dispose of a whetstone that is no longer needed.
A. This is also one of the frequently asked questions. Please dispose of this according to the classification of each local government. To put it very simply, a whetstone is made by hardening something similar to sand (abrasive material).
Disposal methods vary depending on the municipality, such as cases in which it is treated the same as pottery (fragile) and cases in which it is treated as non-flammable garbage, so please carefully check the classification of your local municipality.
The last part is an extra question about knives.
Q. My knife has rusted. Is it okay to use it?
A. Even if rust from a kitchen knife gets on the food it cuts, it is said to have no effect on the person who eats it. However, a rusty knife loses its sharpness. If you try to cut the food as it is, you may use more force than necessary and cause unexpected injury.
Furthermore, rust will gradually erode the inside of the blade and eventually create a hole, so early countermeasures are essential. Depending on the state of the rust, small rust can often be removed with baking soda, cleanser, or a rust eraser.
Also, you can remove rust from the edge of the blade by sharpening it with a whetstone, so don't panic if it rusts, try it out before buying a new one!
So far, we have introduced inquiries related to whetstones in a Q&A format. What do you think?
It would be a shock if you bought a whetstone and found white spots or gouges on the surface. Whetstones generally last a very long time, so it's okay if it's just a little bit of a problem.
(However, since it is made of brick-like material, it will break if dropped...) We would also be happy if you could use it for a long time while smoothing the surface with a refinishing whetstone.
We will continue to share information on the TOGIBU blog and Instagram, so let's enjoy sharpening together.