Diamonds on MDF still not working

[KarlMaldensNose]

I'm sure it is actual MDF this time... 3"x10" piece. Scuffed the top a bit with some 600 grit. Wiped it down and sprayed it with canned air to get any dust off. Applied a light coat of spray (4 sprays) and let dry. Stropped some VG-10, CPM D2, CPM S30V, 154CM, CMP 154, and 01, but no visual evidence of steel removal left on board. Tried another light coat of 3 sprays and let dry. Stropped same knives and still no dark streaks left on board. They feel a bit sharper but I'm not sure. Please advise.

 

[FlaMtnBkr]

What micron diamonds and how much pressure are you using? Since the MDF doesn't give you should be able to use a good amount of pressure and not worry about rounding over the edge. I aim for a slightly shallower angle than the bevel and use a little pressure on leather. Not a ton of pressure but more than the weight of the knife. I figure since I am trying for a shallower angle that when I do lift it some from not being able to hold my hand steady that I will put a polish on the bevel and hit the edge enough to make it sharp. It seems to work pretty good as 1 micron and then 0.5 micron get it much sharper than any other method so far.

 

[Jason B.]

^ That's how I strop on leather too.

If the surface has a blue tint it will be harder to see removed metal. Depending on the carat content after that many blades have been stropped with a average of 40-50 passes per side the surface should at least be gray if not turning black with loaded metal. What's the edge look like?

 

[stitchawl]

Take a really soft steel blade, like 1095, and rub the spine of the blade back and forth over the MDF. Don't worry about angles. Go for removing steel. See what happens. If you aren't seeing gray or black streaks with this, a cat burglar may have stolen your diamonds! (Don't nobody leave da room...)

Stitchawl