Switching from Sharpmaker to stones. Need some advice on setup please!

[Remy]

So I've had my Sharpmaker for awhile now and can get a pretty sharp edge on most knives. However, I want to start using stones to have more of a "feel" when I sharpen. That, and it just adds another level of awesomeness!

So I've been doing some research and here is what I'm thinking for my set-up:
DMT 6" Double Sided X-Course/Course (I already own this)
Shapton 1k and 4k glass stones (reviews look solid and I like how they're "splash and go")
Stropman strop with green and white compounds

A few questions:
1) Can I use the DMT stone to flatten the glass stones when needed or do I need a diamond flattening plate?
2) Do I have any large gaps in grit where I need to add a stone?
3) I know I need to get some type of stone holder, but am I missing anything else? I already own a loupe.

Thanks guys!

 

[kwazyjuice]

Sounds like a good setup to me!

A bench stone holder will help so that you can sharpen right next to your sink without having to be at the corner/edge

 

[Jason B.]

1. I wouldn't, it would work but is too small to truly maintain a larger stone.
2. A 320 grit glass stone would fill the low end.
3. Go with a 1 Micron diamond compound on your strop.

 

[Remy]

How does the 320 compare to the DMT course? My DMT stone is only 6" so I was thinking of getting a full size stone for reprofiling as well, would a 320 work or should I go to 220?

1. I wouldn't, it would work but is too small to truly maintain a larger stone.
2. A 320 grit glass stone would fill the low end.
3. Go with a 1 Micron diamond compound on your strop.

 

[Remy]

Thanks! Can you recommend a good stone holder? Do the universal ones work well enough?

Sounds like a good setup to me!

A bench stone holder will help so that you can sharpen right next to your sink without having to be at the corner/edge

 

[OldNavy]

I have the one Suehiro makes, it's pretty good, comes with a tray & spacers. Also recommend a restaurant style pan & bridge.
http://www.japaneseknifeimports.com/sharpening-supplies/sharpening-accessories/stone-holder-with-base.html

It will greatly control mess & remember to NOT
dump the water into the sink if you have a disposal unit. the grit will wipe out the bearings in no time.

here's my basic set up.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DdnyE8_8dD8/USltxCBYvwI/AAAAAAAABZ4/BxcRFyxHGyE/w961-h641-no/_9A_0011.jpg

 

[Remy]

Looks like a good setup. Thanks for the link!

I have the one Suehiro makes, it's pretty good, comes with a tray & spacers. Also recommend a restaurant style pan & bridge.
http://www.japaneseknifeimports.com/sharpening-supplies/sharpening-accessories/stone-holder-with-base.html

It will greatly control mess & remember to NOT
dump the water into the sink if you have a disposal unit. the grit will wipe out the bearings in no time.

here's my basic set up.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DdnyE8_8dD8/USltxCBYvwI/AAAAAAAABZ4/BxcRFyxHGyE/w961-h641-no/_9A_0011.jpg

 

[Bladenoobie1]

You can get those generic stone holders for about $15-20. I would say a pan or bridge is VERY important as it really does cut down on mess. I have this very shallow plastic tray from ikea, it was under $10 forsure and its large enough for the stone holder to sit inside and will collect all the swarf, water, and spills for easy clean up. Those bases and sink bridges you can buy are rather expensive and there are so many more economical options for reducing the mess.

 

[Remy]

You can get those generic stone holders for about $15-20. I would say a pan or bridge is VERY important as it really does cut down on mess. I have this very shallow plastic tray from ikea, it was under $10 forsure and its large enough for the stone holder to sit inside and will collect all the swarf, water, and spills for easy clean up. Those bases and sink bridges you can buy are rather expensive and there are so many more economical options for reducing the mess.

Great idea. I'll look into some options once I buy everything and know what size I'll need. Thanks.