Is there some sort of liquid I can use to float the metal away when I use my ceramic whetstone for sharpening chisels and plane irons?
John Brock: Ceramic stones will work dry, without water or oil, but you can use either water or oil, if you like. I use mine dry, and clean them with a big art gum eraser from time to time when they get clogged.
W. Patrick Edwards: Kerosene will work beautifully.