Question on Duosharp Fine stone

E

ecallahan

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Mar 14, 2011
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I have recently started to sharpen freehand. Thanks to all the advice on this thread, so far I am doing ok at it.

I started out by getting a Smith Fine (hard) Arkansas bench stone. I have been able to get my edges at least hair cutting sharp, sometimes they will somewhat shave hair off my arm, but nothing quite hair popping. Yesterday I received my DuoSharp coarse/fine bench stone. I took a couple of my knives and gently dulled the edges. I thought it would be just a few strokes on the fine stone to get a decent edge back. But on the three knives i sharpened, it took me quite a while to get back to hair 'cutting' (maybe ripping is a better term). I would then take the same knife to the hard Arkansas and in a few strokes it would be much sharper.

I applied light pressure, heavier pressure - I think I actually got better results from the fine DMT with slightly heavier pressure. I'm wondering if the DuoSharp stones require a break-in period just like continuous diamond stones? I searched but can't find much information on it. I also wonder if any of you DuoSharp users have any tips for me. Most people say to use very light pressure on the blade. I tried both with water and without. Maybe I am expecting too refined of an edge from this stone?

Thanks in advance.
 
Even EF or EEF diamond hones will work much more aggressively than the hard Arkansas stone. If your habits with using pressure were built on the Arkansas stone, I'm betting pressure is too heavy for the diamond. I went through this same adjustment, when first figuring out how best to use diamond hones.

Try lubricating the hone, either with water, water and dish liquid, or mineral oil. Sometimes that can change/enhance feedback, and that often translates to better control and better results. Try to refrain from going heavier in pressure, even if/when it seems to 'help' in the short-term. With a diamond hone, light pressure always works better, in conjunction with good technique (practice). And the effective lifespan of the hone will benefit as well. Heavy pressure is what kills them too soon.

If using mineral oil on the hone, clean it up with water and dish liquid (Dawn/Ivory/Palmolive/etc) after each use. In fact, I'd clean it this way every time, regardless.


David
 
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One of the main reasons I prefer my DMT duosharps is because I dont need to use water/oil/etc.
There's a learning curve, like everything else, but you will love them once you get the hang of it.
And yes, technique is everything, but dont let it get you frustrated.
 
Thanks for the feedback. I've had better results tonight. Used a little water, light pressure, concentrating more on my technique. I'm pretty happy so far with my 'progress'. But I think it is going to be a long time before I try one of my better knives freehand. I've always sharpened with guided systems. Feels like learning a new sport, but I hope to get to the point where I feel confident doing all my knives freehand.
 
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