Just got a DMT aligner kit in the mail the other day. Am having trouble getting knives to shaving sharp status. I marked the bevel with a sharpie and am hitting it. Kit has the course, fine and very fine hones. Any tips on technique to get them shaving? Is it better to run the diamonds over the blade in stages like in the directions, or do one light swipe light on a benchstone? Thanks
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Can't get shaving sharp after using DMT aligner
- Thread starter WillieD
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- Mar 18, 2008
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- 3,371
Whatever method you use, I find the best results not only by making sure I am getting to the edge, but by making sure I have a small burr the length of the edge, before moving to the next higher grit. Then I strop with loaded leather to remove the burr, after the highest grit is used. Try it, and you should get shaving sharp. Also, make sure to use lighter and lighter pressure as you move to finer grit.
Kbrasmodeler's advise is rock solid. Even if you sharpen the edge until the Sharpie line disappears, you may still be imperceptivity short of the very edge. I sharpen till the line is gone and then sharpen at least ten strokes more. To a novice like me, only the presence of a burr on the opposite side indicates that the very edge has been reached and passed. If the contact angle of each new plate, relative to the edge is not just about exactly equal to the angle and contact point of the previously used plate you may wind up with less than stellar results. While familiarizing myself with a new sharpening system, I would get a great edge with one hone but wind up removing it with the next hone of higher grit. Use LESS hone pressure and MORE contact point consistency. Minor variances in hone contact angle, may frustrate you in obtaining an EXTREMELY sharp edge. Use the Sharpie marker and look with a LENS, if necessary, at the EXTREME edge. See if this is where the sharpening is actually taking place. Less pressure and higher consistency of repetition, obtaining a bur and patience were key for me. Olddude1
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- Jul 1, 2009
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They probably need to be broken in.
Jason B.
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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- Jun 13, 2007
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Use the zig zag method, start with your coarsest stone (remember to use light pressure) and establish a new bevel. If your using a coarse (blue) or X-coarse (black) you should easily have a edge that feels toothy sharp and will shave slightly with X-coarse and will shave easily with coarse. Using a zig zag method is the fastest method but using a single stroke with bring you the best looking edge finish so if you really want a nice looking finish do that with the finishing stone.
Take your time, let the stones do the work, watch your scratch pattern, and enjoy a sharp edge.
Take your time, let the stones do the work, watch your scratch pattern, and enjoy a sharp edge.
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2009
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This is the advice I would stick with. Normally if I use a clamp sharpener, I use the zig-zag method until I reach a burr then do a couple single strokes which generally evens out the scratch pattern making it nice and perty. I then switch sides and do the same thing. Same thing applies for higher grits as well. It would also help immensely to strop your edge after you finish with your grits. Good luck!
What do you mean by "watch your scratch pattern"? Also, using the zig zag, do I sharpen pushing AND pulling the stone across the blade or just sharpen on the pushing motion?