Using a steele/rod after sharpening

[timelinex]

Currently I have DMT stones up to EF, which is about a ~1200 grit. (I strop on a leather strop as the last step).

I know I should be maintaining it with a rod, so I just recently purchased a Messermeister Ceramic Rod . Supposedly that is a 1200 grit or so as well. So all that makes sense.

I've been thinking about getting an EEF stone (~8000 grit) to play with that. Doesn't that mean I can't use the rod anymore to maintain the edge then as that would immediately reverse the progress (using a 1200grit after 8000).

I may be missing something as I am new to all this. Clarification would be appreciated!

 

[MtnHawk1]

Are you sure you need an 8000, or even a 1200, grit edge?

I finish my edges at around 120-325 grit and am happy with them. A lot of people prefer coarse edges to smooth edges. If you do a search there's a ton of info on this forum about the pros and cons of both types of edges.

I also quit using steels, including diamond and ceramic, and strops. Thanks to some appreciated advice by one of the forum members, I maintain my edges with a few light passes on the grit I finished with.

Without sacrificing quality, I like sharpening to be as easy, simple, and quick as possible.

 

[Diemaker]

Since you are comparing sintered ceramic vs plated diamond the grit rating doesn't mean much, if anything at all.

 

[marchone]

Currently I have DMT stones up to EF, which is about a ~1200 grit. (I strop on a leather strop as the last step).

I know I should be maintaining it with a rod, so I just recently purchased a Messermeister Ceramic Rod . Supposedly that is a 1200 grit or so as well. So all that makes sense.

The use of a steel or ceramic rod is for convenience. It saves taking the kit out for a quick touch up. Both Sharpmaker Fine (white tri-rod) and Messermeister are 1200 grit. So it works.

I've been thinking about getting an EEF stone (~8000 grit) to play with that. Doesn't that mean I can't use the rod anymore to maintain the edge then as that would immediately reverse the progress (using a 1200grit after 8000).

I may be missing something as I am new to all this. Clarification would be appreciated!

8800 is very fine. Do you want a mirror edge? I wouldn't strike a mirror edge on a steel unless I put a micro bevel on it. And then I'd still likely scratch it unless I put it back on the vise.

 

[timelinex]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I don't need 8000. I was just going to get it to mess around with . I have a Wusthof cheff knife that I sharped to EF DMT (1200) and while impressively sharp, I just bought a Tojiro DP knife and from the factory it seems even sharper. So I wanted to see if I could replicate it (and also didn't want to use the ceramic rod on it if it will only dull it!).

I did look into it and seems like a 1200 grit ceramic is usually 6 microns so actually in between the 1200 DMT (9 micron) and 8000 DMT (3 micron). So looks like if I don't end up getting a 8000, the rod will be good maintenance after my 1200 DMT... But not if I finish on the EEF.