Norton combo.stones question.

[LEGION 12]

I posted a thread abought a month ago that i need some new bench stones. Was gonna wait till i could afford a new set of DMTs but thats not gonna happen for a while so im gonna go ahead and buy a Norton 8 inch combo stone for now . I havent used oil stones since i was a kid thats all we had i doubt i got great results at the time didnt care didnt know any better . I have no problem free handing these will be used mostly for reprofiling and for my longer blades that my 4 inch DMTs just cant handle . My question is what kind of oil do you guys use and are there any alternatives to what comes with the kit ? Also can you finish a edge with these stones with a strop which i already have or will i need something with a finer grit which i already have ceramic stones . As always thanks for any help. Rich

 

[HeavyHanded]

I've been doing a lot of work with my Norton combination SiC stone lately. Did a bunch of tests on blades and was using the fine side of the stone to get a consistent edge prior to steeling. Am surprised at the results I was able to get, haven't relied on my combo SiC stone in a long time, and generally use it just to change a bevel angle or for a beater edge on my tool box knives. I really challenged myself to get the best possible results from this guy and am still tweaking my technique.

Am happy to report that I can just get my edges to tree top some leg hair off of the Crystalon stone and newspaper strop (no compound), esp with my carbon steel blades but also Aus8 and 154cm. I can dry shave facial stubble no problem, these edges are more than good enough for most uses and a good deal smoother cutting than I would have thought possible. Its a challenge to remove the burr cleanly but it can be done, as well as coaxing a bit of extra refinement. Finishing involves just using some dry newspaper wrapped around the stone for a strop. All in all it might be faster to just use another finishing stone, but in some respects it easier to just use the one combo stone.

I used to be a big proponent of water, or soapy water, but lately have come to believe there are real benefits to using some mineral or other medium weight oil. I only use a tablespoon or so per knife, dolling it out a half or quarter teaspoon at a whack, so not as messy as it could be.

As far as using compound on these edges, I was able to whittle a hair last week using the fine Crystalon stone and some white compound from Sears (also rubbed on newspaper and wrapped around the stone). The edge had lost nearly all of its toothy qualities, so a no-starter for EDU by my stardards, but all depends on what you're doing.

It can make for a very simple kit.