Cleaning ceramic stones?

jackknifeh · #1

How do you guys clean ceramic sharpeners. I've heard comet and 3M scrub pads. I just found an item on a web site called a Super Eraser. Below is the description.

Super Eraser is made by Idahone Inc. and is especially effective for cleaning of ceramic rods. With use, a ceramic honing rod will develop a residual build up from fine metal shavings that lodge in the crevices of the rod. Just rub this on the rod to clean.

It costs $5. Does anyone know if something like this is better than comet or just another gizmo?

I just got a set of the 701 profile stones and want to keep them in good shape. So far they really work great. I should know, I've owned them almost a whole day. :) Any other cleaning suggestions are welcome also.

Thanks,
Jack

jackknifeh · #2

I forgot to mention the stones I got were factory seconds off ebay and came without a pouch. That's ok I guess because the price was good but does anyone know where to get just the pouch? I'm not trying to buy anything from anyone here just looking for sources that aren't too expensive. I would like the pouch but it's not a very big deal. I've emailed Spyderco about it. Maybe they have some on hand.

Thanks,
Jack

JNewell · #3

Green ScotchBrite and Barkeeper's Friend (which is non-abrasive - the idea being not to embed the abrasives in Comet or Ajax into the ceramic).

ICSK · #4

I just use toothpaste to clean the ceramic rods on my Sharpmaker. It works better than soap and water and is readily available.

defenestrate · #5

I've pretty much always used Comet or similar but have heard good things about a couple of "eraser" products like this. No personal experience to verify but I believe I heard one of them recommended on the forums here.

Cobra4246 · #6

I tried toothpaste to clean mine today. It worked great thanks for the idea

jackknifeh · #7

ICSK wrote:I just use toothpaste to clean the ceramic rods on my Sharpmaker. It works better than soap and water and is readily available.

Cobra4246 wrote:I tried toothpaste to clean mine today. It worked great thanks for the idea

Toothpaste? Really? That's great because it is always around. I'm going to try it. Do you recommend floride or non-floride? Maybe extra whitening? :D

Jack

KBR · #8

All of the products/methods mentioned work great, in addition I've also used a regular ol' pencil eraser too. However, I prefer the comet and 3M pads with some warm water...

ICSK · #9

jackknifeh wrote:Toothpaste? Really? That's great because it is always around. I'm going to try it. Do you recommend floride or non-floride? Maybe extra whitening? :D

Jack

I'm not sure that that matters. You're certainly free to experiment. It works on the basis of toothpaste being the cheapest and most readily available abrasive. Certainly much better than soap + water.

skunk_2 · #10

i use a mr. clean magic eraser, 3 -4 wipes each side and they are like new!

Jackson · #11

I use soapy water and a sponge on my sharpmaker - seems to get the job done!

nevermas · #12

I use a sponge and barkeeper's friend

buddy54ck · #13

Hi Jack,
Some time ago I bought a product called the magic eraser. Basically it is a rubber stone, like an eraser with abrasives in it. It works excellent, and after using it, I will not use anything else. I hope that this helps, and if You find where to get them, let Me know,as I need to buy a few More.
Good Luck,
Charlie

jackknifeh · #14

buddy54ck wrote:Hi Jack,
Some time ago I bought a product called the magic eraser. Basically it is a rubber stone, like an eraser with abrasives in it. It works excellent, and after using it, I will not use anything else. I hope that this helps, and if You find where to get them, let Me know,as I need to buy a few More.
Good Luck,
Charlie

If it is a Mr. Clean product this may be it. If so I'd like to know if it is what you used and liked.
http://www.mrclean.com/en_US/magic-eraser.do

I found this product and sort of planned to get one if I get some of the other products on this site. I like to wait and get everything I want on one order to save shipping. A couple of items are on back order that I want. If this is what you remember let me know as well.

Thanks,
Jack

jackknifeh · #15

jackknifeh wrote:If it is a Mr. Clean product this may be it. If so I'd like to know if it is what you used and liked.
http://www.mrclean.com/en_US/magic-eraser.do

I found this product and sort of planned to get one if I get some of the other products on this site. I like to wait and get everything I want on one order to save shipping. A couple of items are on back order that I want. If this is what you remember let me know as well.

Thanks,
Jack

OOPS! Forgot to add the link to the other product I found. Sorry.

http://www.chefknivestogo.com/suerccero.html

Jack

buddy54ck · #16

Hi Jack,
That's it (http://www.chefknivestogo.com/suerccero.html!) I guess that I'm a little hard on them, but I rub the ceramic pretty hard, and I have become obsessed with keeping the rods clean. After cleaning the rods You will actually feel an abrasive drag on the blade steel, so You know that the honing action is working well. I am a machinist and I have tried numerous other rubber stones, something used by tool makers, and they just do not work as well as this product. When You try it out, You will see what I mean, It is very obvious! I hope that this helps, and thanks for the link to the product.
May I add You to My Friends List?
Thank You,
Charlie

Captron · #17

Second Barkeeper's Friend. Use it and a piece of old washcloth and they clean up like new.

jackknifeh · #18

buddy54ck wrote:Hi Jack,
That's it (http://www.chefknivestogo.com/suerccero.html!) I guess that I'm a little hard on them, but I rub the ceramic pretty hard, and I have become obsessed with keeping the rods clean. After cleaning the rods You will actually feel an abrasive drag on the blade steel, so You know that the honing action is working well. I am a machinist and I have tried numerous other rubber stones, something used by tool makers, and they just do not work as well as this product. When You try it out, You will see what I mean, It is very obvious! I hope that this helps, and thanks for the link to the product.
May I add You to My Friends List?
Thank You,
Charlie

Charlie,
Great I'll be getting one soon. Someone else suggested toothpaste and I tried it and it worked but now my toothbrush tastes like metal. :D

Jack

Samwise · #19

I just drop my SM rods in the dishwasher.

JNewell · #20

Samwise wrote:I just drop my SM rods in the dishwasher.

You must have a better dishwasher than I do. :D I never had much luck with that. The other thing that never worked for me was my ultrasonic cleaner, which is a high quality (Crest) unit.