Water Stones
Advantages
1. Quick aggressive cut
2. Wide range of grits
3. Fine grits offer superior finishing & polishing
Disadvantages
1. Wear quickly
2. Must be flattened often
3. Can be damaged by tool edge
4. Requires a slurry to use
5. Water can cause rust
Oilstones
Advantages
1. No slurry required
2. Relatively inexpensive
3. Does not cause rust
4. Available in a variety of sizes & grits
Disadvantages
1. Oil can cross contaminate wood
2. Coarse stones wear quickly
3. Requires flattening
Ceramic Stones
Advantages
1. Do not require flattening as often as other stones
2. Available in very fine grits
3. Very wear resistant
Disadvantages
1. Very fragile
2. Will clog without lubricant
Diamond Stones
Advantages
1. Cuts very fast
2. Very durable & wear resistant
3. Stays flat and used to flatten other stones
4. Can be used without lubricant
Disadvantages
1. Must adjust sharpening methods (light strokes)
2. No polishing grits
