How do I properly use a honing stone?

#1 start_today

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Posted 29 August 2009 - 01:58 PM

I recently purchased a Miraclestone. I have sort of pieced together how to use it through reading anecdotes and common sense, but I would appreciate if someone could post "instructions" as well as an any care or cleaning tips. Thanks.

#2 JR Boucicaut

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Posted 30 August 2009 - 11:43 AM

The Miraclestone has to be wet for it to work. It will not slide along a dry blade.

Spray blade with a water bottle, or if in the locker room, drop a few drops of water on your blade
Hone skate

To clean it, use citrus cleaner, Goof-Off or some sort of mild degreaser.

#3 Too Old

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Posted 30 August 2009 - 12:36 PM

I like using Lansky honing oil; works great. Then wash as JR said to get debris out of the stone.

#4 Rustpot

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Posted 05 September 2009 - 12:45 AM

JR Boucicaut, on Aug 30 2009, 12:43 PM, said:

Spray blade with a water bottle, or if in the locker room, drop a few drops of water on your blade
Hone skate

Some people might not know how to do this either- I've seen a few guys use a stone on the bottom of their skate or say they don't work when they have to sharpen their skates after using a stone.

Place the wide part of the stone against the flat of the blade-> the tall sides NOT THE BOTTOM

Press the stone against the side of the blade and slide it along fully from heel to toe, 1 to 3 times, and repeat on the other side. Starting at one end and going fully to the other will help ensure you're getting the deformed metal closer to where you want it.

This will take off any burrs that have formed and will help stand up the edge that has been pressed out or deformed outward from skating. It will NOT put a new edge on the skate and should not be substituted for sharpening.