Diamond grit sharpeners

L

langchop

Joined
Jun 16, 2007
Messages
301
Morning chaps,

I was in town this morning and I saw a pair of cheap diamond sharpening plates.. I decided to buy then and give them a try and see whether I would prefer this to my Lansky stone sharpeners. I have never used diamond before.

On the packaging it said it could be used with water.... Does this mean it SHOULD be used with water? What do most of you guys who use these type of sharpeners do. Thanks
 
Since diamond plates don't have the pores to load up (like stones do) they can be used dry. Most folks use a little water on them to lower friction and carry away the swarf that forms as the blade edge grinds down. Diamond plates can cut a lot of metal fast, so go easy. You don't want to bear down hard either, let the diamond do the work. Wash the plates with dish soap and water when done. There is a big range of price in diamond plates, mostly related to the amount of diamond on the surface. The lower the price, the less diamond . With proper use and care they can last a long time.

Diamond leaves a "rougher" finish than stones and polish do. They are great for quick sharpening, and for getting the initial bevel formed, but traditional stones and a final strop on rouge charged leather should be your final steps if you want a screaming sharp edge.
Stacy
 
Yea I see what you mean. I tried them out on one of my kitchen knives earlier and even the fine was pretty rough. I think i will use it for the 'bulk' removal of the secondary taper before stone sharpening and polishing. Thanks Stacy
 
As you use them some of the roughness will dissappear a bit- all I have had needed a bit of a break in period- just use your most abused knives first.
 
The fine- in inexpensive dia. hones is still too rough. Use an old sharpening stone and water to smooth the surface of our new diamond stone. You will be supprised at just how smooth they can become. Mike
 
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