Guided system stones now versus then

Arkansawyer

Arkansawyer

Joined
Jun 19, 2023
Messages
70
When you first got a guided system you purchased type “A” stones in either individuals or a set and now that you have had it a while you are using type “B” along with “C” and so forth. I have been reading so much that I finally just decided to ask what would everyone buy now if they had to start all over today and purchase new stones based upon what they have used and learned up to this point. Would it be individual stones, sets, diamond, CBN, natural, resin bonded, etc? I appreciate any feedback as it may keep me from making an errant purchase. Thanks.
 
My first stones were Edge Pro brand stones in 120, 220, 400, 600, and 1200 grit. The three course stones wore out fairly fast. I replaced them with a set of CKTG diamond plates in 140, 400, and 1000 grit. So now my grit progression is CKTG 140, 400, 1000, edge pro 600, 1200. I think the CKTG to go plates are probably rated by the JIS standard. I know the edge pro stones are FEPA-F standard.

I really like the CKTG diamond plates. They didn't cost much. $10 each. They have held up well. I have been using them for several years now, probably 5, or 6, and they still work like new. I read that the resin bonded diamond stones are better, last longer. But I don't know, for the price the diamond plates are pretty hard to beat. My edge pro 600, and 1200, are still my original stones. When they wear out, I'll probably replace them with the same, or similar stones.

I also have a set ( 150, 240, 400, 800, and 1200), Venev 1/2" wide rounded metal bonded diamond stones. For sharpening recurve blades. Usually my birds beak pairing knife. They work well for what they are designed for, recurves. They don't work very good on a normal shaped blade.

O.B.
 
Over the years I went through just about every type of stone available - way too many natural stones, diamond plates of all types, sic, alox, CBN, diamond, all different types of bonds, abrasives and all different price points.

If I had to start over - for knives I would only have low grit diamond plates / metallic CBN or diamond for new bevel setting and damage removal. For day to day sharpening, touch ups and finishing I would go for diamond / CBN resin based stones. For the occasional mirror polishing - diamond loaded strops. This combination will do everything you would ever need for just about any knife.

For my straight razors, I still prefer my set of Naniwa Chosera bench stones.
 
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If I started over I would get diamond low grit stones first, The time and effort saved in reprofiling is worth every penny. I prefer ceramic for high grit stones and intermediate doesn't matter as much as long as they stay flat or are flattenable. For setting none convex bevels I prefer to use a clamp system or for particular knives that I want to look perfect but for everyday touch ups it is very hard to beat the Spyderco sharpmaker or the long discontinued large crock stick set with the wooden base and long rods. After many years and tons of time spent sharpening walking into a room with a dull knife and walking out 2 minutes later with a sharp one is a convenience that cannot be overstated.
 
I have been using diamond plates ever since I got into serious knife/machete usage about 15 years ago. They are fast, work on almost any steel, and involve much less hassle than water and oil stones. I am not into splitting hairs, so the sets that came with the TSProf Kadet and Work Sharp Pro Precision Adjust are almost all I need. I also use strops, and I have DMT pocket diamond plates to use in the field.
 
Arkansasawyer said:
I have been reading so much that I finally just decided to ask what would everyone buy now if they had to start all over today and purchase new stones based upon what they have used and learned up to this point.
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I started with a Chinese Edge Pro Clone and a variety of Chinese stones. Performance was marginal at best.

Then for a while I was buying a variety of Nubatama stones. They worked well, but I got miffed at the importer who was becoming frail and the quality of his product suffered.

Next I bought a real Edge Pro, and started using their stones. They're good.

Somewhere along the like I got a couple Choseras, which are also good.

Eventually I started using Spydercos and their newfangled steels. At that point I bought a set of the diamond matrix stones offered by Edge Pro. My intention was to only use them on fancy steel, but I've found that I like these stones for almost everything. They're made by Columbia Gorge Stoneworks, in case you want to buy some in other shapes.

I also keep a few cheap diamond plates from ChefKnivesToGo. They're great for removing a lot of material fast. But they're really rough on the edge of the blade, so plan on doing a lot of finish work after you use the plates to get the edge profile you're looking for.
 
I suppose it depends on guided system itself, and whether it comes with any stones, or you have to buy them separately.

I have a KME system that came with 4 diamond stones. They work very well, and I get a clean sharp edge, right off of the finest stone. Stropping isn't really necessary, but I do it, because I have a strop. The system itself is somewhat limited by knife size (it's not great with very large, or small knives), but for what it is, it works great, and I don't feel the need to purchase any additional stones. But, I'm only looking for a sharp blade, not a highly polished one.
 
RustyIron said:
Eventually I started using Spydercos and their newfangled steels. At that point I bought a set of the diamond matrix stones offered by Edge Pro. My intention was to only use them on fancy steel, but I've found that I like these stones for almost everything. They're made by Columbia Gorge Stoneworks, in case you want to buy some in other shapes.
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I’ve looked at CG Stoneworks website and see the 1x4 and the 2x6 stones. I guess they don’t make a 1x6. I don’t see where using the 1x4 would matter other than possibly taking more time but could see the 2x6 causing issues. Wonder why they don’t make the 1x6?
 
Arkansasawyer said:
I’ve looked at CG Stoneworks website and see the 1x4 and the 2x6 stones. I guess they don’t make a 1x6. I don’t see where using the 1x4 would matter other than possibly taking more time but could see the 2x6 causing issues. Wonder why they don’t make the 1x6?
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Absolutely, the smaller 1x4 CGSW stones are great value for money and work very well on many systems. I used mine a few days ago on my Hapstone RS with great results.

You can't go wrong with a set of them.
 
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777 Edge said:
David / D Diemaker (CGSW) actually does make the 1x6 but that size is specifically made and branded for Edge Pro only. Exact same composition as the other sized CGSW stones, but branded as Edge Pro Matrix stones.
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Being new to the site I looked up D Diemaker and found the thread about these stones and read the whole thing. Now I am ordering a set of the diamond matrix stones for sure and getting some blanks for making leather strops. Now to search up the different types of components for strops.
 
Started with KME diamond plates, which worked well but didn't last very long because I tend to have a heavy hand. I upgraded to the full set of CGSW resin stones for KME, but sold the whole kit. Now I'm using a Hapstone system with Venev Orion stones, and I have one metallic bonded CBN (120) for reprofiling. The Venevs are my favorites.
 
After having a "higher end" guided sharpener for a few months, I decided it was time for "higher end" stones. I quickly learned that the stone/strop rabbit hole is way deeper and more confusing than the guided sharpener one.
 
Tensaw said:
After having a "higher end" guided sharpener for a few months, I decided it was time for "higher end" stones. I quickly learned that the stone/strop rabbit hole is way deeper and more confusing than the guided sharpener one.
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That is the truth! I’ve decided on the first sharpener and ordered the first set of diamond matrix stones after talking to David/ D Diemaker with GC Stoneworks. Now I am looking for some regular aluminum oxide stones for just general purpose sharpening. On the strops I think I am going to get some 1/8th x 1 inch aluminum bar and cut it to length and mill the grooves in the end to make the strop blanks. My wife has done some leather work so I have some to start and she mentioned that Hobby Lobby sells balsa wood in various thicknesses and shows 1/8 and up on their website. I thought I would start there and see what happens. I think I enjoy building and gathering the things as much or more as using them at times. Then to figure out what compound and such for the strops.
 
Arkansasawyer said:
On the strops I think I am going to get some 1/8th x 1 inch aluminum bar and cut it to length and mill the grooves in the end to make the strop blanks.
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I found some last year already made, just added my own leather. They were on the big inlet of water.
 
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