Is it better to sharpen a knife wet or dry?

It is generally better to sharpen a knife wet, rather than dry. There are several reasons for this:

1. Wet sharpening helps to keep the blade cool, which is important because the high heat generated by the grinding process can cause the blade to lose its temper (hardness). If the blade gets too hot, it can become soft and dull more quickly.
2. Wet sharpening helps to reduce friction and heat by providing a coolant for the grinding process. This can help to extend the life of the sharpening stone and prevent it from becoming glazed or worn out too quickly.
3. Wet sharpening helps to clear away metal shavings and debris that are generated during the sharpening process. This can help to keep the blade and sharpening stone clean and allow for more consistent results.
4. Wet sharpening can be more forgiving than dry sharpening because it is easier to control the pressure and angle of the blade against the sharpening stone. This can help to prevent the blade from being damaged or over-sharpened.

Overall, wet sharpening is generally considered to be a safer, more controlled, and more effective method for sharpening a knife.