Sharpening Question

J

josephrogers

Joined
Oct 9, 2013
Messages
774
So I recently started to get more into sharpening. I have an Edge Pro Apex, and used to only use the stones it came with. I recently bought the 2k and 3k tapes and 2 strops that I loaded with White and Green compounds. When I use this, I can get a pretty decent mirror edge, but am wondering how much of a difference it would make if I bought and used the 6k tapes as well?

Another thing that I have been thinking about is replacing the 5 EP stones and getting 10 stones in different grits - 80, 120, 220, 320, 400, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, and 1200. And possibly throwing in another strop with Jewelers Rouge on it as I feel like that would polish even further than the green compound. Would having the 10 stones create a more consistent and refined edge than having just the 5 as they are closer in grit? And would it help to reduce the wear on the 5 regular stones by spreading it more?

All in all, the new stones with the blanks, and the additional strop on top of that would only run me about $150 at most, just wondering if it would be worth it to pull the trigger or not?
 
No, it would not be worth it. There is no point in going from 800 to 900 to 1000, it's simply wasting time and effort.

Jewelers rouge is not effective against hard steel. They polish soft steels such as good and silver.

A worth while option would be to upgrade to Shapton or Chosera stones.
 
As I am only 19 and in college, Chosera and Shapton are far out of the question.

So cut out the 900 and possibly the 800?

Is there a compound finer than green that will work to further polish? I saw on another thread about EP stones that Congress stones last a decent amount of time and work well if you want a cheaper alternative. Being in college and practically broke, this seemed like a very good option to me. Getting 5 of the congress stones is about the same as one Shap or Chosera from what I have seen. Any more advice would be appreciated.

As it sits now, going up to the 3k polish tape and then stropping I can get an almost mirror finish, you can still see some striations in it, but faintly. I know Jason is a very reputable guy when it comes to sharpening (have read almost all of your guides and such) So I would love to hear more from you.
 
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