Q: 204UF rods

[sheltot]

Hello,
I just received what are supposed to be 204UF rods for my Sharpmaker. Unfortunately, there is absolutely no discernable difference between them and the fine rods that came with the kit. There is not red ends, the tubes are clear with almost clear end caps. I've tried to detect a difference using my finger tips and thumbnail and can feel none. My last test was to let gravity pull one of my EDC knives down the stones and try to detect a "slicker" feel. Nope, no difference felt.

I've e-mailed the vendor and not received a reply yet and I shouldn't name them until I do, but it's driving me knuts.

So, I thought I would ask for help from those who should know.

Thanks,
Tony

 

[sheltot]

OK, the vendor (Knifecenter) replied that there is no difference in the rods or the packaging between the fine and ultra-fine. This contradicts other information found here on BF.

HERE

Thanks,
Tony

 

[Connor]

Sheltot,

I just received my pair of UF rods from Linda "Glasshartt" and both of them have one end painted in what I would call a 'signal red'. Either yours are the normal 'fine' rods or they have forgotten to mark yours with the red paint.

Maybe Sal knows another way to distiguish the 'UFs' from the 'Fs'?

-Connor

 

[Sal Glesser]

The fine grit stones are cut and fired. The edges at the end are somewhat sharp. The UF's are tumbled for many many hours so the sharp edges on the ends should be somewhat softened or rounded compared with the fine stone.

sal

 

[sheltot]

Thank you, sir. That was a good test. Unfortunately, the ends are every bit as sharp as the Fine stones that I already have.