Most versatile grit?

KarlMaldensNose

KarlMaldensNose

Joined
Feb 3, 2009
Messages
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I've narrowed my options down for my next sharpening experiment to either the DMT Magna-Guide (diafolds), DMT Diasharps (8x3), or Naniwa (Chosera or Supestone) waterstones. Forget the Magna Guide momentarily. Let's suppose I were to go with the diamond plates or waterstones and add to my collection one piece at a time, for example starting with one stone/plate and add another every month or two. What would be the most useful first grit to start with, then next, then next, etc.? For the Diasharps I hear Coarse (C), Fine (F), Extra-Extra Coarse (XX), Extra Fine (E), Extra Coarse (X), then Extra-Extra Fine (EE) is a good route to take. And with waterstones, 500-ish, 1000, 5000, 10000, then add the 'other' stones (e.g. 3000, 12000, etc.) if I get that obsessive and want closer grit jumps.

I understand the "best" grit progression is highly subjective, but the first one to start with, in terms of usefulness/versatility, should be a bit more established or agreed upon as a good starter. Suggestions? I've seen a few sets that I'm interested in, such as a 3-piece DMT (C,F,E) for $175, and a 3-piece Naniwa (400, 1000, 5000) for $170.
 
I have a full range of chosera by naniwa. Some double sided. I like them.
But since i have the dmt's they have seen a lot less action.
Both sets you talk about are excellent!
See if you can afford two duosharp benchstones: xc/c and f/xf and you have a pretty good range.
Edit: i searched and found two dmt 8" duosharp plus stones for 59$ each...
Pm me for the link
 
When making a stone selection don't forget to factor in the types of steels you sharpen.

If you chose diamonds I'd start with C moving up to EEF then picking up the XXC & XC later. A plus to the plates is the ability to effectively use the aligner clamp when you don't want to freehand ;)
 
If I could have only one stone, (G_d forbid) it would be a 1K waterstone. Preferably a Shapton.
 
1k-1.2k Beston waterstone. It can reprofile knives most knives easily, I've reprofiled d2 and s30v without any issues. And it puts a shaving edge on it as well.
 
If you use water stones, you'll have to flatten them, preferably sooner rather than later. A DMT XXC seems to be the tool of choice for this job. I just got one on eBay for $52 + $9 shipping. Unfortunately, the cheapest one I saw today was $88. Just keep looking...
 
I have a set of Norton combo waterstones I got as a kit. The kit includes a 220/1000 Combination Water Stone, a 4000/8000 Combination Water Stone, and a Flattening Stone. All for $130. Not too shabby. :)
 
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