Crystolon or India for Kitchen Knives?

[Obsessed with Edges]

Does anyone know if this Norton stone is considered India or Crystolon? If neither, then any idea what it is considered? Thx.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Norton-6-x-2-x-3-4-In-Bench-Stone-87933/100069242#.Uj6MUobry54

That is Norton's 'Economy' stone, an inexpensive version of their higher-end Crystolon stone. Same abrasive (silicon carbide) in both, though the higher-end stone is supposed to be made to tighter tolerances and more durable. I have one of these Economy stones; for basic kitchen knives, it'll do fine. The 'fine' side of the stone leaves a great kitchen-utility edge; something similar to a 320-400 grit finish from wet/dry sandpaper, which seems to work well with softer stainless kitchen cutlery. Not perfectly flat, as mentioned. You won't necessarily have to flatten it for ordinary cutlery, of which only a very small portion of the curved edge contacts the stone at any one time. Perfect flatness would only be important for tools with dead-straight edges (woodworking chisels, plane irons), and for flattening the backs of these tools. Even then, being that this stone was made and marketed to such end-use, I'm sure many are using it on these same tools without going through the hassle of flattening it anyway.


David

 

[sir_mike]

That is Norton's 'Economy' stone, an inexpensive version of their higher-end Crystolon stone. Same abrasive (silicon carbide) in both, though the higher-end stone is supposed to be made to tighter tolerances and more durable. I have one of these Economy stones; for basic kitchen knives, it'll do fine. The 'fine' side of the stone leaves a great kitchen-utility edge; something similar to a 320-400 grit finish from wet/dry sandpaper, which seems to work well with softer stainless kitchen cutlery. Not perfectly flat, as mentioned. You won't necessarily have to flatten it for ordinary cutlery, of which only a very small portion of the curved edge contacts the stone at any one time. Perfect flatness would only be important for tools with dead-straight edges (woodworking chisels, plane irons), and for flattening the backs of these tools. Even then, being that this stone was made and marketed to such end-use, I'm sure many are using it on these same tools without going through the hassle of flattening it anyway.


David

Thanks for the info David!

I will mainly use it on folder's and MT's that I own and carry but only if the blade gets chipped or very dull. I will also use the stone for practicing freehand with some user knives I have coming with various steels in them! I figured and was told by someone that it is a pretty good stone to practice and work with.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Thanks for the info David!

I will mainly use it on folder's and MT's that I own and carry but only if the blade gets chipped or very dull. I will also use the stone for practicing freehand with some user knives I have coming with various steels in them! I figured and was told by someone that it is a pretty good stone to practice and work with.

Completely agree. :thumbup:

I wish I'd tried one a long time ago. If used in tandem with all the expertise and guidance found here on the forum, I could've learned and accomplished a lot, and saved me a lot of additional expense along the way.


David

 

[sir_mike]

Completely agree. :thumbup:

I wish I'd tried one a long time ago. If used in tandem with all the expertise and guidance found here on the forum, I could've learned and accomplished a lot, and saved me a lot of additional expense along the way.

David

That is good to see that others agree that it isnt a bad stone to use! Whew...as it cost me almost $6 LOL

As far as saving expense, I am hoping between that stone and the other stuff I have, the Sharpmaker, the Spyderco 701mf set and a Doublestuff that I can handle all my sharpening needs. None of my knives get too much use or abuse so mostly will do touch ups but will use the Norton to fix blades if need be.

Thanks! :thumbup: