sharpening stone grit

O

oldgranpa

Joined
Feb 12, 2004
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I've searched for over an hour (and read the FAQ and "Steve's" web site) and I still have this question.......

What sharpening stone grit is adequate for a sharp edge with an EdgePro apex sharpener?

Is 600 grit enough? More? or is less grit size enough? :confused:

I'm not looking for a world record edge, but maybe just sharp enough to show someone it will shave a few hairs off your arm.

Your thoughts and experience most welcome.

Thanks,
og
 
If you do it right you should be able to easily shave arm hair with the 600. Even the 220 and 320 should do this if you use light careful strokes at the end. Ben Dale recommends stopping with teh 220 and 320 stones for most knives and cutting chores. The most polished edges may shave better, but they might not cut through rope and cardboard as well. So it depends on what you want to do with your knife. Just use very light pressure when you finish so you don't roll the edge. Also make sure your stones stay flat and don't get dished or that will lead to all kinds of problems.
 
Wade,
thank you so much for the reply. I feel confident now with what I have to work with, 600 top grit.
Cheers,
og
 
FWIW ... a Norton fine India benchstone is 280 grit, medium India 240 grit, according to the manufacturer. Jerry Fisk has always recommended a fine India for putting the final edge on a working blade, while a number of winners of recent ABS cutting competitions have been using medium India. If 240-280 grit is good enough for these guys ...

I admit, however, that I personally "cheat" a bit, using a medium India, followed by a few light passes on fine ceramic to produce a microbevel.
 
Thanks, Colorado,
that's even more encouraging. If I can't get an edge with what I've got then the world has come to an end!! ;)
og
 
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