Not so great results with my DMT? :(

L

Lock1454

Joined
Jan 4, 2009
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So I got my DMT Magna Guide with C/XC and XF/XXF stones. I tried sharpening my Buck parallax (didn't have a great edge and it's a cheap knife). I set the height to the 2nd notch, which should be 20 degree angle. I went through the entire series of stones from XC to XXF and the end result isn't that great :\ Followed the instructions and the stroke method they suggested in the instructions. It more so rips paper than it does cut (will snag a good deal and rip off to the side). Any ideas?
 
What do the directions say to do? Not having this sharpener, I dont know what they say to do.
 
To draw the stone across the edge (handle to tip) while drawing towards the spine. Pretty standard motion for these types of sharpeners. Of course due to this knife being partially serrated, I only worked on the plain edge portion.
 
Didn't even know I should be checking for that :\ A burr is just that think wiry edge that either gets knocked off or rolls over, right? O.o

Figured if there was a burr present between the steps, it would be knocked off when I moved on?
 
nozh2002 said:
Did you have burr after each step?

See for reference:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EP9tII6Tp7s&feature=channel_page

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TscN9h-1xQ&feature=channel_page

Thanks, Vassili.
Click to expand...


Good job in that first vid, you show the burr well.


My guess is that you are not using each stone long enough to be effective. Try spending more time with the X-coarse to make sure that your bevel is coming together. Watch you scratch pattern on the bevel to make sure you are getting all the scratches out from the previous stone, by the time you get to the fine stone you should be able to shave with ease and slice paper with only slight drag.
 
Lock1454 said:
Didn't even know I should be checking for that :\ A burr is just that think wiry edge that either gets knocked off or rolls over, right? O.o

Figured if there was a burr present between the steps, it would be knocked off when I moved on?
Click to expand...


You will only be able to notice the burr with the first few stones, X-coarse, coarse, and fine, beyond that its hard to tell because it is so fine.
 
I figured I'd use the coarser stones. Made about 15 passes per side - should I go with more next time? O.o
 
Ahh Grashopper (Lock1454), Is it not clear to you yet.:confused: There is a force in the universe (and this thread). Open your mind to it. Also, don't believe everything the guy in that DMT video says with his 6 storkes. 6 strokes, me arse.:rolleyes:

You have been given the key to the door to the ancient secret of sharp steel. Passing through this door brings with it great responsibility. Do not reject it or you will fail. Guard and respect the secret well and it will protect you and bring you respect. The key to this door is "the burr". Come on in, this is powerful s..t man.;)

Anyway, continue with the first (coarsest) stone until you get an even burr all the way down the edge, coil (or handle) to tip and then again on the other side. Once on each side. Don't stop, or go on to the next finer stone, until you get the burr or you are just wasting your time. The two bevels haven't met at an edge until you get a burr. This is the key. IF it takes a long time you need a coarser stone or DMT plate. After this and with the finer grits you are mostly removing scratches from the previous stones.
 
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Just went over the Parallax again, much better results :) The beginning and tip of the edge aren't quite as sharp as the middle part, but I'd think that will improve as I improve my technique some. Since the middle gets a bit more grinding due to the stone passing over the entire thing, would it be wise to give the tip and the base a couple straight down draws (not drawing it across the blade)?
 
Since I just ordered the DMT Magna Guide myself, I'm following this thread closely hoping for tips in its usage. Interesting.
 
In that case, I had been running the stone across the blade (blade being the anchor and not moving). This second time I was moving the knife (stone being the anchor). The second way worked much better :)
 
Just sharpened up my Tenacious. The majority of the blade is plenty sharp (still can't fully shave hair, it cuts some, leaves some... Then again the only knife I own that can really do this is my RAM with factory edge). But either end of the blade don't take the edge too well :\

Bahhh, the sharpening gods don't favor me :(
 
Just got my DMT Magna Guide this morning, and I can't wait to try it out. I have some work I have to do first, but as soon as that's done, I'll give the DMT a whirl. As soon as I have a chance to try it, I'll post results/impressions.
 
I don't think I heard the basic "use the marker" bit of advice yet. Use the marker, make sure you're getting the edge.
 
I just got the DMT Magna Guide kit this morning. I decided to try it on a cheap old folder I had laying around. It took a little while with the red side (fine) to re-profile, and about half that time with the green side (extra fine) to bring it to arm shaving sharp. Okay, so I look funny with bald patches on my arm -- but I now have a sharp knife, with very little effort. I would imagine that, after a few passes on the strop, it'll be hair popping sharp.

Wish I had of bought this thing years ago!

PS. Bye the way, I did use the marker.
 
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