Question for Joe T (and others): Diamond stones

I have used both EZE-LAP and DMT hones. I get far better results with DMT. As far as wearing out, if the hone doesn't seem to be cutting like it should, use abrasive cleanser and a nylon brush. Diamond hones load up just like any other. My small EZE-LAP is showing signs of wear though. DMT seems to have a more uniform grit, too. Hope this helps.

Paul
 
Geez guys! I thought diamonds were a GIRLS best friend
wink.gif
. I had planned on getting some DMT diamond benchstones. Has anyone got any experience with their new large DuoSharp double gritted stones?
 
A strop serves a different function than hard hones. There are many explanations, but I'm not sure I believe them, I just know they will often convert a sharp edge into an extremely sharp edge. I don't consider an 8000 grit water stone a replacement for a strop, but they are complimentary.

Strops and 8000 grit water stones have most direct application to straight razors. I use my water stone to sharpen my straight razor and my strop to refine and maintain the edge on my razor. This is much like honing your kitchen knife on ceramic rods and maintaining it with a smooth steel. Using a strop or a steel is a way to maintain an edge (mostly by straightening and smoothing small dings) with minimal blade material loss. With a straight razor you use minimal abrasives, some bare leather with some intrinic silicates, and some compounds similar to chalk.

For sharpening knives I use abrasive strops to align and mildly abrade the edge. Some of the action is pulling minor burr material into line with the edge and some of the action is removing the weaker bits of burr. Depending on the alloy, heat treatment, and edge contour this will usually give me a very good shaving edge optimised for push cutting. Since I don't shave or just push cut with most of my knives I don't stop after stropping. I usually finish with some light strokes on nice clean extra fine ceramic rods. My intent is to remove the weakest material left on the edge and leave a little microscopic edge roughness for better slicing. If the edge doesn't feel right (I've been feeling edges for over 40 years) I will strop lightly with plain leather. My intent is to remove dangling burr material and align some other small imperfections.

Anytime I want a rougher edge I go back to medium-fine ceramic hones after my abrasive stropping instead of the extra-fine. Then I do a little plain leather stropping.

The best way to know what a strop does is to try it. Do your best sharpening job without a strop then use an old belt or boot and strop the edge. Nine times out of ten you'll find a definite edge improvement.
 
Kodiak: I use my diamond hones dry, just like you. I've cleaned them with the SOS detergent pads, but often they seem to come really clean with just the hard plastic side of my regular kitchen sponge. I love how easy they clean up.

Regarding EZ Lap vs. DMT, I know there are differing opinions out there. Mad Dog recommends EZ Lap and only EZ Lap, saying he doesn't like DMT. I've had the reverse experience, I like DMT much better. Just find the one that works for you, and stick with it.

And Crayola has what I meant by doodad. I recommend the DMT bench stones. I've also had good luck with the 4"x1" DMT stones. I've had bad luck with cards, and the less expensive diamond steels. I haven't tried any of the better diamond steels yet, but have been planning to.

Joe
 
I have found that silicon carbide hones work just as well as the diamond for fast removal of steel. I have not had any dishing out problems with them and for the cheap price I am very happy. Anyone else have the same results? Btw I also found the DMT to be the better of the Diamond hones but have not tried 3M's yet.
 
For really dull and moderately dull knives, I've gone to a 1" belt sander. Same thing the local knife shop uses. Sharpens blades in a blink of an eye. You can use an angle holder with it and you can buy 1" sanders for less than $100 (my 1" sander is a Delta). 1" 3m belts are cheap and sold everywhere. For touch up, I use spydie sticks and DMT diamond stones (fine and extra fine).



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Hoodoo

Why dost thou whet thy knife so earnestly?

The Merchant of Venice, Act IV. Scene I.
 
I enjoy trying to get the smoothest, sharpest edge on my knives. I have a set of 4 DMT from course to their finest. I finish on a black hard arkansas, then on a strop.

I have a couple of questions:

I have never used a waterstone, and wonder if on of these would be a worthwhile addition to my set.

I noticed there is higher grade nother of hard black arkansas called translucent. Does anyone have knowledge of or experience with these? Are they smoother than the hard black arkansas? How do they compare to a 8000 grit waterstone?
 
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