norton india stones?

[beckerhead]

I just ordered a norton stone from SMKW after reading that Jerry Fisk, among others, swears by them for carbon steel blades. Can anyone tell me why these stones are so great on carbon blades? The price was great, only $9.99 for an 8" stone. Also, do you leave the edge as is with the india stone, or follow with something a little more fine?

 

[Don Luis]

It's surprising you haven't had an answer yet.

Norton India stone is a quality aluminum oxide stone, as far as I know it comes in coarse, medium or fine as well as in combination grits.

IMHO aluminum oxide does fine in most carbon steels but not better than other abrasives like ceramic, diamond, Arkansas or a water stone, it's advantage is price. I feel it will also do fine in some stainless like 440A, AUS6, 420Hc, etc.

Stainless steels with about 1% or more carbon (and some non-stainless like D2) don't wear down as easily so more aggressive abrasives are often preferred.

Luis

 

[yoda4561]

They cut faster than arkansas stones and leave a toothier edge, that's usually better for most utility work. They're best known for carbon steel knives because that's what they work best on, the AO abrasive is a little too soft to really cut the more wear resistant stainless steels.