Sharpening stone grit?

F

FL_Jimbo_K

Joined
Feb 1, 2015
Messages
42
How fine a stone to use? I am a beginner bladesmith, and i have DMT diamond sharpening "stones", up to the Xfine 1200 grit. They make a 3000 and an 8000 grit, are those needed or recommend by any of you out there? I do pretty well with the 1200, but I don't seem to quite get the results some factory blades get. I am not sure if my technique is off or if I Ned finer grit stone. Thanks for any advice, JK.
 
You can get a hair popping, paper shaving edge right off that EF..I have the same plates but I do have the EEF plate as well..Its nice and makes a nice mirror/hazy polish but to be honest it is not needed for an outdoor knife..I like having it, I wont lie but its mandatory..
To be completely honest friend its 95% technique and 5% equipment..There are guys out there that can shave their face off a 6K king stone and others who cant do it with a 16K chosera and diamond paste..Practice,practice and then practice some more..Your knife should already be sharp before you change from the 1200 grit plate to the higher grits..If it is not then go back until it is..Im sorry, I surely don't mean that in a harsh way..Just being honest with you.
 
No harshness Kentucky! My technique is pretty solid, and I start with the 600 grit Fine stone. I was just wondering if the 3K was worth the time. It will go on the "want" list vs the need list...
 
No, don't get me wrong..Its a great stone..You would like it I just cant honestly say you would "need" it...Of course need has nothing to do with "want" and that's up to you..Just trying to give an honest opinion.:)
 
Extra fine is adequate even for most kitchen knives, the only time you "need" 3k and 8k is if you are honing straight razors.
 
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