DMT stone advice needed.

[darthsoaker]

I need to pick up a diamond benchstone . I've been looking at the different DMT benchstones, and see that there are two different type made by DMT, the polka dot and the continuous surface ones. Example: Polka Dot Continuous

For some reason, the continuous surface ones run $10 cheaper at most places. I want to pick up 2 or 3 in various grits, so that many adds up.

Any quality differences between the two?

 

[gud4u]

If you're in the habit of applying strong honing pressure, the 'polka-dot' surface hones will tend to put fairly deep groove-marks on the blade. Simple solution is to reduce honing pressure, allowing the hone surface to dominate in the honing job.

I think DMT claims the polka-dot depressions allow accumulation of honed particles, thus reducing surface cleaning frequency. My guess is that it's probably easier to produce a good plating job with the holed honing surface.

It 'seems' - no empirical evidence at all - that the continuous surface DMT hones loos honing particles faster than the holed-surface hones.

Personally, I wore out my last DMT hone and replaced diamond hones with sandpaper grits. More grit-flexibility, much larger honing surface and less expensive.

Hope this helps!

 

[nozh2002]

I prefer DiaSharp, also only DiaSharp has Extra Extra Coarse available, which I consider as a Jewel of DMT as well as modern sharpening stones.

Thanks, Vassili.

 

[samhain73]

D8XX and a D8F + a strop are pretty much all I use.:thumbup:

 

[JerkeeJoe]

I've got a Duo Sharp in Course/Fine, and just ordered a Dia Sharp in EX Fine. So far, I've been really pleased with the Duo Sharp. It puts a great edge on my knives and doesn't get overly dirty. The only reason I ordered a dia Sharp is because I only need an Ex Fine now, and the Dia Sharp are cheaper in a single grit.