Granfors Bruks Sharpening Stones, Ceramic or Traditional?

[Square_peg]

My favorite files are still my Simonds Multi-Kuts. Nicholson files have always done well for me, too. I'll have to check out a few Pferds.

 

[M3mphis]

My favorite files are still my Simonds Multi-Kuts. Nicholson files have always done well for me, too. I'll have to check out a few Pferds.

Last time I looked at Nicholson files, some of them were made in the US and some were made in Mexico. Just something to watch for. They were all labeled right on the package as to where they were manufactured.

 

[Steve Tall]

I was tempted to upgrade my puck and get one of these "Super-Pucks" recommended in An Ax to Grind, but I figured the biggest selling point of having a puck is that it will easily fit in your pocket for field use, and this one is kinda big for that (4 inch diameter by 1.5 inch thick). Back at home I can use larger stones and large files and don't need to limit myself to a puck.

 

[Square_peg]

Last time I looked at Nicholson files, some of them were made in the US and some were made in Mexico. Just something to watch for.

Well that sucks. I guess Ross Perot was right about that Giant Sucking Sound

Has anyone tried the imported files yet?

 

[Operator1975]

I was tempted to upgrade my puck and get one of these "Super-Pucks" recommended in An Ax to Grind, but I figured the biggest selling point of having a puck is that it will easily fit in your pocket for field use, and this one is kinda big for that (4 inch diameter by 1.5 inch thick). Back at home I can use larger stones and large files and don't need to limit myself to a puck.

I wouldnt mind having one of these - the Gransfors does "get small" after awhile, esp if you are working on a 4 lb single bit. Have the big boy for in the shop time, and the gransfors for in the field.....

 

[Ballenxj]

I really like to have this in my pack the best:

It's so versatile that I don't carry any other sharpener in the field regardless of which knives/hatchets/axes I'm carrying. I think you can land them for 15 bucks or so.

Well, I've now ordered one of these, as it looked pretty darned good and I think I need it in my bag.
I've still got my eye on one of the pucks too. Hopefully someone will be able to tell me which is better between stone and ceramic before I get one.
-Bruce

 

[bjp]

Well, I've now ordered one of these, as it looked pretty darned good and I think I need it in my bag.
I've still got my eye on one of the pucks too. Hopefully someone will be able to tell me which is better between stone and ceramic before I get one.
-Bruce

I think all the votes so far have been for the stone (not the ceramic). Mine certainly is.


-ben

 

[M3mphis]

Well, I've now ordered one of these, as it looked pretty darned good and I think I need it in my bag.
I've still got my eye on one of the pucks too. Hopefully someone will be able to tell me which is better between stone and ceramic before I get one.
-Bruce

I think you'll like that. Go easy on the pressure. Finish with lighter and lighter pressure until your just skimming your edge across it. Strop a few times and dry shave hair off your arm!

Here's a little tip for my friends. The ceramic lamp out of a high pressure sodium floodlight makes a wicked finish. Seriously, wicked. I hardly ever strop with leather anymore.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

I'll have to check out the Pferd/Stihl files. Never noticed them. I only have Nicholson's and Simonds, plus Heller rasps.

BTW, you're right to have preferences on files. All files are certainly not created equally!

Pferd ROCKS. I prefer them over Nicholson these days. They tend to have finer file cuts available as a whole, as well. Not many sources for ultra-smooth files these days. Check out their milled-tooth patterns, too.

 

[nickzdon]

Well that sucks. I guess Ross Perot was right about that Giant Sucking Sound

Has anyone tried the imported files yet?

I picked up a mexico Nicholson the other day without even realizing it. Have put much use into it yet though. I'll keep an eye on it and report back. I've got a bunch of profiling to do on some restos in the next week or two.

I am particularly fond of the DMT diafolds as Cooperhill mentioned. For touch ups I can usually use just the fine/superfine model. For a wicked edge I strop with their Diapaste to finish.

 

[Log cutter]

I use double sided rectangular stones for heavy work on my axes, for a fine hone I use a ceramic hone (its awesome) for a quick touch up in the bush or on the line I have a pocket stone (or puck as you guys call it).

 

[Zemapeli]

I really like to have this in my pack the best:

It's so versatile that I don't carry any other sharpener in the field regardless of which knives/hatchets/axes I'm carrying. I think you can land them for 15 bucks or so.

I second this completely. I have one I bought from a local walmart. Does a great job, especially for the money.

 

[thunderstick]

This is an old whetstone that used to be my father's. It's a Norton roundstone. Originally it was 5/8" thick. I carried this in my nail bags for many years. I've worn it down to just 1/4" thick. That's a stack of 3 U.S. quarters beside it.

S-Peg,
Do you use water or oil on your Norton? I have two and when I use oil on them it really seems to make them slimey/pasty. Just wondering if maybe water is better or dry.

 

[Square_peg]

Water or nothing. Never oil. Oil suspends particles and leaves your edge chipped sharp like an arrowhead not honed. You see it at high magnification. Water or dry is better IMO. This wears out the stone faster but it does a better and faster job on the knife. You'll get pages and pages of arguments about this on the forum. Try it for yourself and decide for yourself.