thoughts on dmt sharpening system ?

G

gunmanb

Joined
Aug 22, 2009
Messages
60
bought dmt sharpener but cant seem to get knife scary sharp. knives get toothy sharp but hard to get them shaving sharp. is it me or do i need to get knew sharpener? looking for advise from those who have used one.
 
What's the process you're using with it. Did you raise a burr on both sides before moving to the fine stones?

Btw this might nor belong here.
 
DMT makes extra-course stones to extra-extra-fine stones (diamond stones, that is).

Which do you have? -I imagine the extra course would make it "toothy"
 
How much pressure are you using? Use only light pressure and let the stones do the work.
 
I have a few DMT sharpening tools. I have their ceramic conical rod for sharpening certain serration patterns and it works great. I also have some of the conical diamond rods as well. Nothing but good to say about them.

However when it comes to benchstones I personally prefer Norton and 3M diamond benchstones. They just seem more solid to me and I've had great results.

But all in all DMT makes quality sharpening tools. I've never owned one of their "Aligner" systems but I hear that they are great in the field. I prefer the Spyderco 204 Sharpmaker for a kit field sharpener myself.

DMT uses monocrystalline diamonds and they are the best for sharpening from what I've been told. Good luck and let us know how they work :)
 
i have a DMT aligner and it works great. i can get my knives shaving sharp with it just fine. you lack of results is probably technique. like SteelSnob said how much pressure are you using? let the stones do all the work.
 
If you're going to sharpen freehand, there are several things to pay attention to. For starters, use very light pressure, do not push down with any force. I'd say the weight of your forearm alone is enough pressure. To get the best edge, I use an Extra Fine DMT, and then a translucent Arkansas stone for the final edge.

You have to be able to see where you're grinding. I have heard of some people using a Sharpie to mark the edge, make couple passes across the stone, then check to see which part of the edge you're hitting.

Are you too steep? If so, you'll see that you took off the marker high up on the edge. Too shallow? You'll see you removed the marker at the edge's apex or the point of the "V." This may require using a magnifying glass.

Of course the critical thing is finding the correct angle (which will vary slightly between knives) and maintaining it throughout the process.

Sharpening by hand is not something most people pick up overnight. Very few people can match the results of a guided system, and that's after YEARS of practice. Good Luck!
 
Last edited:
I get pretty good results with my DMT stones, but if you want a really keen edge I find that finishing on a strop makes a huge difference! :thumbup:
 
As everyone's pretty much said, technique is important. However, you didn't say anything about which DMT stones you have. It almost sounds like you're only using 1 stone. To get the edge from toothy to a smoother, sharp edge, lower grit stones will help you get there. I also use a strope to finish off my blades, too & that seems to help quite a bit.
 
gunmanb said:
bought dmt sharpener but cant seem to get knife scary sharp. knives get toothy sharp but hard to get them shaving sharp. is it me or do i need to get knew sharpener? looking for advise from those who have used one.
Click to expand...

Which DMT sharpener have you been using?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top