gatco system

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Neil m

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Mar 24, 2010
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I have the Gatco edgemate pro system and was wondering if anyone knew what the the grit number is for the stones. Plus I would like to get a finer grit stone for a sharper edge.
 
Neil m said:
I have the Gatco edgemate pro system and was wondering if anyone knew what the the grit number is for the stones. Plus I would like to get a finer grit stone for a sharper edge.
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I have the GATCO diamond set. To be honest, I don't know the grit numbers are for any of their hones. But, one thing I'd like to emphasize, the whole key to a 'sharper edge' is in making sure that you re-bevel to a COMPLETELY uniform and sharp 'V', along the full length of the cutting edge. In most cases, that means establishing a burr with the coarsest hone, and then gradually removing the burr with subsequent hones. Chances are, you already have as fine a hone as you need, so long as you make sure to fully and properly utilize each and every hone in the sequence. That is what will produce the sharpest edges.

I've said it so many times, but I can't emphasize it enough. Make sure you closely inspect the edge as you go, to make sure you're raising a burr and making each side of the bevel come together in a precisely sharp 'V'. Use bright light and good magnification (at least 5x - 10x). Use a Sharpie marker to darken the existing bevel, so you can see where metal is being removed as you work.

I've noticed with my diamond set, it doesn't necessarily polish the edge as finely as some others I've tried (like Lansky). But, interestingly, it does produce some of the absolutely sharpest edges I've seen so far. The key is in being patient enough to make sure you've produced a clean, sharp 'V' with the coarsest hone, then using subsequent hones to refine and polish it. Stropping with green or diamond compound on leather afterwards does a fine job of finishing it off.

And, INSPECT, INSPECT, INSPECT as you go.
 
I also have the GATCO Professional.

For a finer more polished edge I use GATCO's extra fine and the ultimate finishing hones.

I then go to a leather strop with red and one with white polishing compound.

I often just go to the fine, extra fine, and or the ultimate finishing for maintenance if just stropping will not bring an edge back. There is seldom a need to go coarser very often if you do not let them get really dull.

The extra fine and ultimate finishing are well worth the investment.

Good Luck
 
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