Handle for Diamond Hones

[Blues]

I can't recall if I ever shared this tip here before but several months ago while doing some sharpening with various diamond hones (5x1, 6x2, credit card and full bench size) I came up with the following idea.

Take a putty knife (paint scraper) available for a dollar or two from any Walmart, attach a couple of strong disc or rectangular magnets to the blade, wrap them in electrical tape to keep them on the blade and use the resulting "magnetic handle" to attach to the back of your various diamond hones. You can use either side depending on the depth of the hone or the desired strength of attachment.

It works great while sharpening and allows you to hold the hone comfortably at any angle from horizontal to vertical. When you need a different grit, just separate the handle from the hone and re-attach to the next hone.

Here's an image of a generic putty knife for those who may not know what tool I am referring to.

 

[siguy]

neat idea...

i was thinking about making a wood base, drilling it out to accept some magnets, and sealing them in with some epoxy, but your solution is easier...

my concern is magnetizing the base of the hones though, and then they would be difficult to clean because the metal filings would stick to it.

i have also magnetized a mora before playing with the idea...it is still ever so slightly magnetic...

 

[Blues]

I actually cut the strength of the magnets some by slipping an old cordura pouch sheath over the blade of the putty knife. Still keeps a strong enough grip to the hone but not overly so.

I haven't had any trouble cleaning the hones thus far nor the DMT diafolds I use with their Magna-Guide when I want to rebevel with the use of a jig.

Of course YMMV and your point is well taken.