10-03-2021, 06:48 AM
Whetstones were originally found naturally and mined in various parts of the world. Some famous areas include Arkansas, USA; parts of Europe; and various areas in Japan. Depending on the location, whetstones were made from different types of rock.
In the West, the most common rock used for whetstones is known as Novaculite. It is also sometimes called an Arkansas stone, since the most famous area for mining Novaculite is in Arkansas. Novaculite whetstones are usually quite hard and will last a very long time. Some people pass down their Arkansas stones through multiple generations. These whetstones are most often used with oil for lubrication. The main downside of natural Novaculite stones are that they cut slower.
In contrast, the most common natural Best whetstone for japanese knives are made from sedimentary rock. The resulting whetstone is softer and wears down faster than your typical Novaculite stones. The upside is that they cut better, meaning they will sharpen knives faster. Japanese whetstones are also only ever used with water, hence they are sometimes referred to as natural Japanese water stones.
In the West, the most common rock used for whetstones is known as Novaculite. It is also sometimes called an Arkansas stone, since the most famous area for mining Novaculite is in Arkansas. Novaculite whetstones are usually quite hard and will last a very long time. Some people pass down their Arkansas stones through multiple generations. These whetstones are most often used with oil for lubrication. The main downside of natural Novaculite stones are that they cut slower.
In contrast, the most common natural Best whetstone for japanese knives are made from sedimentary rock. The resulting whetstone is softer and wears down faster than your typical Novaculite stones. The upside is that they cut better, meaning they will sharpen knives faster. Japanese whetstones are also only ever used with water, hence they are sometimes referred to as natural Japanese water stones.