What's the deal with boutique diamond compounds?

[Mr.Wizard]

In the "knife world" there always seems to be a new boutique diamond compound that everyone has to try. At the same time I rarely if ever see mention of industrial brands like Norton, Hyprez, Kemet, Lapmaster, and Advanced Abrasives, or lapidary products like Pandimonium. If I see boutique compounds compared it is either to each other, to cheap off-brand products, or with non-diamond buffing sticks and the like. I don't get it. How can something be hailed as the best without being compared to the established products in the market?

Some of the industrial brands are hard to find in retail, but many are readily available. Some are expensive, but so are many of the boutique products. So I don't think availability explains this. Is this merely a case of clever marketing and receptive hobbyists? Is there something unsuitable about the industrial compounds and suspensions? Products are available in a range of concentrations, bases (oil, water, universal), and types (natural, synthetic, polycrystalline)—are the choices just too overwhelming?

 

[Bill3152]

It's like knife steels. There will always be something new. A "better"mouse trap. Marketing.

 

[Blues]

It's like knife steels. There will always be something new. A "better"mouse trap. Marketing.

Sometimes, some products actually are better than others. (Personally, I support and recommend those whose products have proven to be excellent in my own usage, and who have demonstrated their high standards...both in terms of integrity, as well as their product line.)

If only we could summon a "wizard" to test all the alternatives and their variables.

 

[Mr.Wizard]

It's like knife steels. There will always be something new. A "better"mouse trap. Marketing.

Let's take one example of this: MagnaCut from Larrin Thomas. He systematically analyzed existing options and identified a gap in performance between stainless and non-stainless steels, and an unfilled niche. He then applied historic research, modern education, and personal innovation to craft a new alloy to bridge that gap. Then he tested and quantified the result, demonstrating accomplishment of the goal. Then all of this was made public. That is exemplary. Has something similar every been done by any of the boutique compound outfits?

 

[Mr.Wizard]

Sometimes, some products actually are better than others. (Personally, I support and recommend those whose products have proven to be excellent in my own usage, and who have demonstrated their high standards...both in terms of integrity, as well as their product line.)

If only we could summon a "wizard" to test all the alternatives and their variables.

I hope no one infers that I think all diamond compounds are they same as I surely did not intend that, nor do I believe it.

 

[Blues]

I hope no one infers that I think all diamond compounds are they same as I surely did not intend that, nor do I believe it.

I didn't assume anything in that regard. So you have nothing to fear there.

I also realize that it's a practical impossibility for (most of) us to try all that's out there and judge one against the other.

I'm one of those "good enough" sorts. I get a product from someone whom I respect and lives up to or exceeds my expectation and I pretty much say "good enough".

That doesn't hold with buying knives so well, but it does work reasonably well with diamond emulsions, strops and to a lesser degree, hones and stones.

One can add further nuance and complication to the equation, but I'm at a point where I'm reasonably satisfied overall.

 

[Mr.Wizard]

I also realize that it's a practical impossibility for (most of) us to try all that's out there and judge one against the other.

I'm one of those "good" enough sorts. I get a product from someone whom I respect and lives up to or exceeds my expectation and I pretty much say "good enough".

I also tend to stop looking when I find something that works well enough, and my bias was for the industrial product as I perceived it a "no nonsense" option, through a supplier that had already been helpful to me. That doesn't sound too far from your own path. I suppose I am more curious regarding those specifically like to try multiple products but exclude the largest players from their selection.