- Joined
- Dec 26, 2008
- Messages
- 611
I went to Highland Hardware the other day and bought a set of water stones to try out. The 220, and 1200 grit stones were around $21 dollars each, the 6000 grit was about $39 and the nagura stone was $4.95. I was a little puckerd over the price, but I've seen other setups that would have been more. I'm used to an Arkansas Stone or a Lansky diamond system. I've read and seen so much about the performance of these Water Stones so I decided to give it a try.
I started by soaking them in a big ole tupperware bucket for about 30 minutes. (only about 10-15 is required) I took my least used, and most horribly dull knife out for the test run. I followed the method that Ray Mears shows on his Bushcraft video and in about 15 minutes I had a decently well repaired edge on it. I progressed through the 220, 1200 and 6000 grit stones, practicing getting the angle and pace down pat. I was able to slice paper and feather sticks with ease when finished. This knife has never been this sharp. I'm scared of it now. It's an electricians folder from Klien Tools.
I saved the RATs for last, once I was sure I was getting everything right, I put the Izula on the 1200 grit. In just a few minutes the factory edge was mirror smooth and headed for the 6000 grit. A few turns later and the paper I had been slicing with the other knives just gave up and split in half when I reached for it.
I spent a few hours Sunday repairing and sharpening some of my old beaters. Most of which haven't seen and edge like this ever! I'm impressed with the stone's results, but now for the down side. This is the messiest process ever! I got gooooge all over the place. It' leaked all over the work bench and floor. My fingers were water logged and either yellow or black from slurry and metal shavings. I'll have to set up in a different area or outside when I do this again. I had a towel under it and was careful to keep the drips to a minimum, but it still turned out messy. It was worth it though. The edge is awesome!
I started by soaking them in a big ole tupperware bucket for about 30 minutes. (only about 10-15 is required) I took my least used, and most horribly dull knife out for the test run. I followed the method that Ray Mears shows on his Bushcraft video and in about 15 minutes I had a decently well repaired edge on it. I progressed through the 220, 1200 and 6000 grit stones, practicing getting the angle and pace down pat. I was able to slice paper and feather sticks with ease when finished. This knife has never been this sharp. I'm scared of it now. It's an electricians folder from Klien Tools.
I saved the RATs for last, once I was sure I was getting everything right, I put the Izula on the 1200 grit. In just a few minutes the factory edge was mirror smooth and headed for the 6000 grit. A few turns later and the paper I had been slicing with the other knives just gave up and split in half when I reached for it.
I spent a few hours Sunday repairing and sharpening some of my old beaters. Most of which haven't seen and edge like this ever! I'm impressed with the stone's results, but now for the down side. This is the messiest process ever! I got gooooge all over the place. It' leaked all over the work bench and floor. My fingers were water logged and either yellow or black from slurry and metal shavings. I'll have to set up in a different area or outside when I do this again. I had a towel under it and was careful to keep the drips to a minimum, but it still turned out messy. It was worth it though. The edge is awesome!
