$50, next step up?

[Minibear464]

I have around $50 to spend on a new sharpening accessory. Just wanted to know what would be best. I have a grey, what I believe to be, norton stone, and also a small norton india stone. And a strop with green compound from sears. What would be the best upgrade for a sharpening kit?

 

[BluntCut MetalWorks]

Instead of asking - what knives/steels are you planning to sharpen. I am guessing you probably want gears capable of sharpen today & tomorrow high alloy steels, all for around $50.

$15 HF 4 sided diamond block
for all rough grind

$12 3M wet&dri SiC sandpaper 1000,1500,2000 grit (each grit pk has 5 sheets)
for most normal sharpening tasks. You can cut each sheet into 5 pieces of 8x2, double-side tape it to a something hard & flat preferably with extra length to serve as a handle. Use mouse-pad backing if you want to convex your edge.

$20 DMT 4" Diamond Whetstone Extra Extra-Fine
get your edge toward too-sharp too-smooth too-knut world.

 

[Phydeaux]

How about a ceramic stone with a finer grit than the Norton stones?

Ric

 

[Minibear464]

I'm considering a spyderco ultra fine benchstone. Would that be a good idea? Thanks for all the replies by the way.

 

[BluntCut MetalWorks]

I'm considering a spyderco ultra fine benchstone. Would that be a good idea? Thanks for all the replies by the way.

Too big of a jump from your norton SiC stone to UF. Recommend Medium + F + UF progression but that will be around $130 for all 3.

 

[Phydeaux]

I agree with blunt cut. I go from the fine side of a Norton India Combination stone to the Spyderco fine ceramic bench stone, then use a strop.

Ric