Need Suggestions-Sharpmaker Diamond Rods

[getpower]

I just recieved the Sharpmaker Diamond rods in the mail today.

I was wondering for those of you that have a set, what do you suggest as far as using them?

Number of stokes to re-bevel? What size to use them on? What I should make sure I do? What not to do etc...?

Tell me how you use them to get your knives as sharp as they've ever been.

 

[bh49]

Number of stokes to re-bevel? What size to use them on? What I should make sure I do? What not to do etc...?

There is no magic number, with different knives you will need to remove different amount of material, also some steels are more wear-resistant than others.
You are using diamond rods to reprofile or repair your knives. This is what I do.
Get magic marker and 10X eye loupe. Color the edge of your knife. Set diamond rods on 30 degrees slots to set your backbevel. Start grind one side, do not alternate strokes. Do not apply a lot of pressure, you can stripe diamond (at least I did, I ruined my beautiful DMT stone). Grind until you remove all paint and have a burr along entire edge (try to keep burr to minimum, you will need to remove it later), than switch to second side and grind until create a burr on opposite side. That start to alternate strokes, may be 5-7 strokes per sides, switch to medium stones, use corners, keep light pressure, about 20 strokes per side. Switch to flats, use 40 degrees settings, you will remove, what left from the burr and create microbevel. 20 strokes per side, than use fine stones and ultra-fine, if you have them.

 

[THG]

Number of stokes to re-bevel?

The truth is: as many as it takes. Use a marker to guide you.

What size to use them on?

Whichever you want: 30˚ for better cutting performance, 40˚ for better edge holding.

What I should make sure I do? What not to do etc...?

Use a marker so you can get a visual as to what you are doing. Other than that, the sharpmaker should be rather foolproof.