I'm thinking of getting a DMT Diafold for field use, but I can't decide which grit combination to get, extra coarse/coarse, coarse/fine, or fine/extra fine. I suspect that the fine/extra fine would be the best for daily touch up of a relatively sharp knife, but what about if you were in the field for an extended period of time, possibly a survival situation, giving your blade some hard use and this was the only sharpener that you had. Which would you choose? Would the fine/extra fine be able to repair a chipped or badly worn edge, given a little extra time and effort, or would you need one of the coarse grits? If I go with the coarse/fine will I be able to get a durable edge without the extra fine? I've never used a diamond hone before, so I don't know what type of performance to expect. Any advice would be appreciated.
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DMT- which grit?
- Thread starter Vince
- Start date
jefroman
Gold Member
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- May 17, 2001
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- 774
I would get the coase/fine combo. If you had a badly worn edge, with the fine/extra combanation you couldn't get an edge that would last that long. But with the coarse/fine combo, you could reprofile an edge using the coarse side, then you could also maintain the edge using the fine side. Also, in survival you don't need a shaving sharp edge.
just my 2cents
just my 2cents
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- Jan 25, 2001
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Course / fine would be my first choice as well.
Mike
Mike
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- Mar 28, 2001
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I vote with the majority. A coarse/fine diafold would be my choice.
I carried a small EZ Lap fine diamond for about 17 years. I had lost it a couple of times for a few months and it had been there the rest of the time. I now carry a fine grit credit card size EZ Lap. It fits in the billfold and you never even know it is there till you need it.
The knives carried into the out back would probably have some size to them and also if you are planning on going, you will have prepared for the trip. For an emergency situation, you will have what you carry every day. This would probably be 4 inchs or less blade. In a survival situation, the fine diamond would be enough to touch up the blade. My knives need the edge redone about every 4 to 6 months and the rest of the time, just touched up. The credit card sharpener can be also had in the coarse grits as well.
I would say to get what you will be able to carry at all times so you will be prepared to use it when you need it.
The knives carried into the out back would probably have some size to them and also if you are planning on going, you will have prepared for the trip. For an emergency situation, you will have what you carry every day. This would probably be 4 inchs or less blade. In a survival situation, the fine diamond would be enough to touch up the blade. My knives need the edge redone about every 4 to 6 months and the rest of the time, just touched up. The credit card sharpener can be also had in the coarse grits as well.
I would say to get what you will be able to carry at all times so you will be prepared to use it when you need it.
- Joined
- Nov 25, 1999
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- 1,499
For field use - certainly coarse/fine one. Coarse will give you a possibility to set up dull or lightly damaged edge, fine provides nice working edge. Ultra fine has marginal usefulness in field conditions but it is worth to have at home for fine finishing and subsequent touch up.
Please remember, that brand new (before break in period) DMT's cut more aggressively than you could expect according their claimed grit - fine cuts almost like coarse and ultra-fine - like fine. Look here for more info.
Please remember, that brand new (before break in period) DMT's cut more aggressively than you could expect according their claimed grit - fine cuts almost like coarse and ultra-fine - like fine. Look here for more info.
Cliff Stamp
BANNED
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- Oct 5, 1998
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- 17,562
Vince, first off of all if you were in a situation where you could be depending on your blade for an extended period of time, you don't want to be grinding out all damage that happens. You are much better off keeping the majority of the edge as sharp as you can while removing the least amount of metal as possible.
Currently I carry a fine/x-fine DMT hone. The x-fine will keep the edges that I want a high polish on for smooth push cutting in top shape with a minimal amount of metal removal. The fine is there if I want a more aggressive finish, or to maintain some cheap blades like on a Leatherman. Plus it serves as a decent file.
I also carry a small smooth steel from Razor Edge systems. You should be using a steel frequently, again to minimize honing and lower the rate of metal removal from the blade. If you can't find a steel, any smooth hard surface will do.
-Cliff
Currently I carry a fine/x-fine DMT hone. The x-fine will keep the edges that I want a high polish on for smooth push cutting in top shape with a minimal amount of metal removal. The fine is there if I want a more aggressive finish, or to maintain some cheap blades like on a Leatherman. Plus it serves as a decent file.
I also carry a small smooth steel from Razor Edge systems. You should be using a steel frequently, again to minimize honing and lower the rate of metal removal from the blade. If you can't find a steel, any smooth hard surface will do.
-Cliff