Where Is Oilstone Found?

Washita oilstones are known and admired by craftsman the world over and all of them originate from a small mountainous region east of Hot Springs in Arkansas, USA.

Where are whetstones found?

Natural whetstones are typically formed of quartz, such as novaculite. The Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas are noted as a source for these. Novaculite is also found in Syria and Lebanon, previously a part of the Ottoman (Turkish) empire, hence the use of the older name in America of Turkey stone.

What is a whetstone used for?

Japanese water stones are softer than other whetstones, which allows them to quickly create a sharp cutting edge. Water stones are a tried-and-true tool used to repair, sharpen, and polish kitchen knives.