Ideas for an affordable 3-stone set for freehand sharpening

El Bandit0

El Bandit0

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Feb 4, 2013
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i have finally come to the conclusion it is time to invest in a good set of stones that will last a good while. I sharpen a lot of 52100, S30V, AUS-8A, Carbon V, and INFI. So far I have been able to get things done with a wide array of sharpening gear, but would like to have a very coarse, extra-fast cutting stone for reprofiling, another common chore. the other two should be a med-med hi grit and a VERY fine grit to clean up the scratch pattern and give a decent mirror polish, which will be followed with lapping sheets for the finish. The Spyderco 306UF has caught my eye but is expensive. I am not the biggest fan of diamond stones, like ceramic, and have yet to use a waterstone.
 
What is your idea of expensive , this can be subjective.

We also get into the cost vs value assessment.

Personally I think the 3 piece Nubatama Set sold at CKTG is a great starter set. Leaves you room to grow , but they aren't stones that your going to toss out in a year if you upgrade. You can build a good set around them. It comes with a 150 , 1k , 5k IIRC. I would add a 400 and a 3k or a 2k initially.

As you get better you can add more stones higher or lower according to your needs.
 
A very coarse stone is necessary, and diamonds are by far the easiest way to go. They don't wear out, they don't dish, they just remove steel faster than anything else.

You can lap your other stones as a bonus, rather than having to lap a coarse, fast wearing stone.

The most bang for the buck would be a King 800/4k combo stone. About $35 from Japanese Woodworker.

That helps offset the price of an Atoma.
 
The Norton Tri-Hone system is one you may want to check out.
 
Pretty much all I use anymore is my Washboard - available through the link in my signature. Am finishing up the latest run, even though the listing says I'm out, some from the current batch are beginning to escape my workshop. Will be updating the listing tomorrow. Lots of videos and text describing exactly what it is/does.

Martin
 
I have mentioned it before, but, Shapton stones are my favorite.
Their 3 stone sets run around $250 and come with a base to store them in.

I like the 500, 2000, 16000 set I have. Leaves a mirror edge after that 16000 stone gets through.
 
Sadden, I'm trying to keep everything under $150 if possible, understand that will be difficult. Good to see you over here brother:) Gizzard, I'll look into it, thanks! Mossy, I'll check out that one as well. HH, I like your system and it is in my list of possible options. Mammy, those are sweet stones but waaaay out of my price range. Maybe someday they won't be, but for now I cannot justify spending that much on stones.
 
DMT DIA Sharp.... Coarse, Fine, Extra fine.... once broken in these babies rule. make sure to get a stone holder as well...
 
A combination of coarse and fine diamond stone from dia-sharp is a good start. Then you can pick up some more of those colorful stones if you so desire.
 
Naw, no edge pro... I'm a freehand guy:) Watching a YT vid by Jdavis right now, he seems to be really fond of the DMT stones and they are within my budget, seem like they would work well even though I would prefer ceramic.
 
Buy a Shapton 500 Glass Stone. When you can afford it, add 220 and 1000 Glass Stones. Not very expensive, and you'll have the best of the best.
 
If he is going to go with just Glass i would get the 500 , 2k and 8k.

Just Pros i would get the 320 , 1500 , 5k

Fwiw buddy the GlassStones were desigened specifically for your problematic D2 steel if i remember correctly.
 
El Bandit0 said:
Naw, no edge pro... I'm a freehand guy:) Watching a YT vid by Jdavis right now, he seems to be really fond of the DMT stones and they are within my budget, seem like they would work well even though I would prefer ceramic.
Click to expand...

FYI, Jdavis also did alot of videos with the Spyderco benchstones, doublestuff and 701mf profile set so you could get a med and fine Spyderco benchstone, then add a DMT coarse benchstone as a good set that should be within the budget! :)
 
Get a set of DMT benchstones: coarse, medium and fine. That's been meeting my needs for a couple of decades now.
 
Alrighty, now I have lots to consider! Have started my research and will continue to do so for a bit. Again, thanks to all who have contributed for your advice and recommendations.
 
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