Norton Crystolon vs. India

V

VIKING DK

Joined
Aug 28, 2002
Messages
3
What are the differences between Norton Crystolon and Norton India?

I'm expecially interested in the differences wrt. the stones being able to cut (almost) full hard tool steel (e.g. M2 at around 65-66 HRC) as well as being able to cut the abundance of (very) hard carbides in e.g. some of the CPM steels. Also, are they bonded similarly, i.e. are there any significant differences wrt. being able to resist deformation from wear?

Thanks,
VIKING DK
 
Welcome to the forums, VIKING DK! Though I don't have much experience with the Crystolon, I have a Norton India stone that does wonders on simple carbon steel blades. I found this at Knifecenter:

"Crystolon stones are made of silicon carbide electric-furnace abrasive, gray or black in color. This fast-cutting abrasive is harder than any natural abrasive except diamond, and does an outstanding job finishing carbide tools or removing metal, when moderate tolerances are acceptable. Crystolon is the choice where speed of sharpening is most important, or as the first step in sharpening badly worn cutting edges. Available in coarse, medium and fine grits.

India stones are made of aluminum oxide electric furnace abrasive, brown or orange in color. This abrasive is preferred for producing exceptionally keen, long-lasting edges, and for high-quality steel tool work. The choice over Crystolon where close tolerances and smooth cutting edges are required. Available in coarse, medium and fine grits."

For a carbide-heavy tool steel (such as M2 or the CPMs) I believe the Crystolon would work better, as the aluminum oxide in the India stones is not hard enough to cut some of those carbides. You might want to look into diamond stones, an SiC loaded strop, or SiC sheets as alternatives. They resist loading better than the Norton stones, and SiC sandpaper with a soft backing (like leather or a mouse pad) is a very cheap, portable, and effective system that a lot of us here have tried.

I've never had a Norton stone deform from wear, but I had a generic aluminum oxide that suffered bonding breakdown. It started behaving like a waterstone, generating slurry and wearing a depression in the center.
 
VIKING DK :

What are the differences between Norton Crystolon and Norton India?
Click to expand...

The Crystolon is SiC and the India AO. Silicon Carbide is harder and more coarse grained in the Crystolon. I would avoid both of the above hones and get Japanese waterstones in suitable grit grades which have a superior abrasive bonding. They cut much faster and load less, though they will need to be lapped more frequently.

I'm expecially interested in the differences wrt. the stones being able to cut (almost) full hard tool steel (e.g. M2 at around 65-66 HRC) as well as being able to cut the abundance of (very) hard carbides in e.g. some of the CPM steels.
Click to expand...

I would use a different hone to finish those steels, though SiC would shape them easily. At that level of steel hardness you are looking at a very fine edge and want a high polish. As SteelDriver notes, diamond is a good choice, DMT has plates up to 1200 grit and diamond paste up to 0.5 micron . Or finish on the 1200 grit hone with a light honing on a fine waterstone (6000+ grit) and then CrO loaded leather.

are there any significant differences wrt. being able to resist deformation from wear?
Click to expand...

All bonded hones of that type need to be lapped on a regular basis to ensure a flat honing surface. In general the more coarse the faster the wear so the Crystolon will scallop before the India.


-Cliff
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top