Honing oil works better then H2O most of the time. Stainless sharpens quite well on the big stones..."BUT"...(I feel better now)...any stainless blade (with Rockwell above 56-57+) sharpens easily..."IF"...you don't let it get dull!
I "touch" my blades up, "during" their use, allowing for a quick sharpening job. If you get a Rockwell-60 dull and rounded, you're in for some work, no doubt. That is "always" the case!
When I am cleaning, gutting, skinning (fill in the blacks) I touch my knives up several times during the process. A good rule I use is: Every time I have to wash the blade (& my hands, etc.) during the task...I hit the blade 3 or 4 times on The Spyderco!
Works for me...Hope this helps,
Capt. Chris

I've seen him do it this way and can attest to it being a "best" practice for sure. Just made the job a lot easier, start to finis.

Gotta' agree with you Cap, in many areas. A couple of drops of honing oil goes a long way when sharpening any blade whether in the kitchen or in the field. Taking the few seconds to "touch up" the blade makes the entire job go easier, quicker and safer because it's always sharp.....whether skinning 6 whitetails or washing the dinner party dishes. I may be a "tad obsessive" (no, NOT me!) but I will take the time to do a couple of quick hone hits on each blade, whether prep or steak, after a meal/dinner party as each knife will be sharp when picked up for the next use. In some cases obsessive and patient are the same, and it always a good characteristic of the guy who has to sharpen all your buddies wives knives.
I've sent home with many folks the pocket sharpener for 10+ years to always carry to the woods & then leave in the kitchen. The CASE Steele has gone with me to every camp.....forever. I'm sure there are many as good & better.
Good luck, and Patience Little Grasshopper.

Norton India combination stone and honing oil works for me. Take your time and watch what you are doing. All the other stuff is fine for a quick touch up. The big stones straighten out the mess you make with the touch ups. I use diamond hones on the Dexter stainless fillet knives because they get beat on and I usually don’t take a bench stone out on a small boat. I keep a small sharpening kit in my truck so I’m never without a bench stone.

Thanks for all these info.

Norton and Mineral Oil
Good for skin too
Sharpi