While whetstones are crucial for knife maintenance, you might wonder if they require any special care themselves. Although they generally do not need much attention, the most serious issues they can encounter—akin to rust on knives—are warping and denting. It's important to know what to watch for to prevent these problems and ensure your whetstone remains in good condition for clean and effective use.

1. Essential Maintenance for Whetstones

The most crucial aspect of maintaining a whetstone is ensuring it remains flat. A flat surface is vital not only for the whetstone’s longevity but also for effective knife sharpening. Using a warped or bent whetstone will result in a similarly bent knife edge, regardless of how skillfully you sharpen.

If you detect any dips or unevenness on your whetstone’s surface, it’s important to rectify these by straightening and flattening the stone. The most common tools for this are commercially available refacing wheels, which include vitrified rough wheels and diamond wheels. Vitrified rough wheels, while reasonably priced, are made using the same process as regular whetstones and can lose their shape as they wear down. Therefore, it's essential to visually inspect these whetstones regularly for any distortion before use.

Diamond wheels, on the other hand, are very hard and maintain their flatness well. They do not bend easily, which helps in maintaining a consistently flat sharpening surface. While more expensive, diamond wheels are considered a worthwhile investment for their durability and long-term performance.

2. Washing

It's important to rinse your whetstone with water after each use. This practice minimizes the impact of residual particles on future sharpening sessions. Sharpening knives generates sand-like particles known as grit, which mix with water to form a mud-like substance that can contaminate the stone's surface. Thoroughly rinsing the whetstone removes this abrasive grit, preventing it from interfering with subsequent sharpening processes. Additionally, leaving a whetstone unwashed after use can cause metal particles embedded in the stone to rust.

Similarly, after using a whetstone for resurfacing, make sure to wash the surface thoroughly with water before starting to sharpen knives. This ensures that the whetstone is clean and ready for effective use.

3. Storage Instructions

Properly storing your whetstone after use is crucial to maintaining its condition. Here are the steps for proper storage:

(1) Rinse Thoroughly:

After use, rinse the whetstone in water to remove any abrasive grit and metal debris from the blade.

(2) Dry Naturally:

Allow the whetstone to air dry naturally. Initially, let it dry on the surface and then place it in a shaded, well-ventilated indoor area away from direct sunlight. This prevents the stone from absorbing moisture and helps maintain its integrity.

(3) Avoid Direct Sunlight and Temperature Changes:

Be careful not to expose the Be careful not to expose the whetstone to strong direct sunlight or sudden temperature fluctuations, as these can cause damage and deterioration.

(4) Proper Wrapping:

If a specialized case is not available, wrap the whetstone in newspaper or another breathable material. This is especially important for magnesia grinding wheels, which should not be immersed in water or wrapped in damp materials for extended periods.

(5) General Storage: 

Like knives and cutting boards, store your whetstone in a dry, well-ventilated place to ensure its longevity and effectiveness.