Mineral oil as honing oil?

Food grade mineral oil would work but you will need to dilute it with mineral spirits because the mineral oil is a little too thick. 60% mineral oil to 40% mineral spirits. This is obviously a lot of work and it's not even the best method.

You can use almost any thin lubricant to oil an oil stone. 3-in-1 household lubricant would be a better solution. Just remember to clean the blade BEFORE use.

Also, the sharpener you're using would determine the honing solution you should use along with it.

A wet stone just needs to be soaking wet (water works best). Leave the stone submerged in the water for at least 10 minutes THEN use it to sharpen the blade(s).

I have used stones which need an oil or thicker solution to work their best. However, I still get better results using wet stones with plain old water.

Using an oil with oil stone is very difficult to do PROPERLY. Just stick with a wet stones and water combination. Remember to clean the blade very well after honing/sharpening; and then coat the blade with a mineral oil to prevent rusting. Don't forget to clean the blade BEFORE use.

I hope this helped.

Honing Oil

* No use Norton's Honing Oil because it's made of highly refined mineral oil, so its safe for use on kitchen utensils and doesn't smell as harshly industrial as the mineral oil/ kerosene mix.* It won't soak the sharpening stone and gum it up, but it will provide just enough lubrication to avoid wearing out the stone.* If you don't use any oil at all the stone quickly becomes worn.* Honing Oil is a lubricant used on a sharpening stone to protect the stone and produce a keener edge on your blade.* Norton's Honing Oil is the Best to use on your stone and blade.*

This Site Might Help You.

RE:

Mineral oil as honing oil?

I don't like buying honing oil because, to me, it's just baby oil without the fragrance. However, I can't find unscented baby oil for the life of me. So, will food grade mineral oil work? It's the laxative stuff you find in the pharmaceutical section. Is it to thick? Any advice...

I don't worry about the scent and just use baby oil on my oil stone; BUT, for general sharpening, I use a whetstone and water.

Eylk nailed it. Mineral oil too think. Better to use water.