Is Aluminium Oxide or Silicon Carbide best for Sharpening Tools?..
The three most common types of sharpening stones, for general and household tools, are oil stones, water stones, and diamond stones with each having its own specific advantage.
Oil Stones
Oil stones are the older, traditional, sharpening stone and are still one of the most common sharpening stones still used.
The Silicon Carbide sharpening stones are a good option in the oil stones.
Water Stones
Water Stones are generally made from Aluminum Oxide, and are softer than oil stones. They are designed to be used with water to flush the slurry away.
Diamond Stones
Diamond Stones, not mentioned in the title, are considered the best quality sharpening stone, and are the most expensive ones. They also last longer than other stones, and may be comparable to them in cost over the long term.
Prices of Sharpening Stones
I checked some prices today for a 25 x 50 x 200mm Sharpening Stone in Australia, and the prices were:
- Aluminium Oxide (Water Stone)$10.90
- Silicon Carbide (Oil Stone) $13.48
Similar ones in the UK would be:
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