Smith's specially formulated honing solution is nonpetroleum based and features built-in stone cleaning agents and rust/corrosion inhibitors. It is excellent for lubricating your Arkansas or diamond stone when sharpening. Never use an Arkansas stone without some kind of lubricant, or you will clog the pores and cause it not to sharpen properly. Diamond stones can be used dry, but we recommend that you use a lubricant for better performance.