Whetstone Grit Suggestions

[MattySchae]

Hello Everybody,

Well, this is my first thread, and I joined bladeforums specifically so that I could post it, hah. I always consult the threads on this site for knife advice, and have been able to find tons of help - not to mention educational reading. So right from the start, thank you all for sharing your knowledge, tips, tricks, techniques, and opinions. Much appreciated.

Now, to get down to brass tacks...

I am planning to buy a whetstone very soon, so that I can maintain my blades properly - said blades being a Cold Steel SRK (San Mai III), and a Mora triflex. I am not sure which grit configuration would be best for these blades. I would like to get a stone with two grit options, one on either side. So I am dealing with a SCANDI GRIND on the Mora, and a HOLLOW GRIND on the SRK. As far as steel types, the SRK is high carbon VG-1 steel (and is a laminated blade), and I'm not sure about the Mora, it is progressively tempered carbon steel, but that is all I know.

I would really appreciate it if anyone could make suggestions about which grit would be best for these blades. Many thanks.

- Matt

 

[HeavyHanded]

My immediate response is to get a Norton Crystalon (silicon carbide) combination stone, a bottle of oil, and some black and white buffing compound for stropping. The silicon carbide works very well on virtually all steel types. While you might want to get a finer stone for finishing, this one stone followed by a little strop action will serve you very well - hair popping edges with some good tooth - perfect for EDU. The real question is whether you need specific edge characteristics from either of these knives. If so that could guide your choice a bit.

 

[David Martin]

Good advice as the Norton stones offer good quality and economy. Plus, will sharpen most any knife steels. Another favorite of mine is their India stone. DM

 

[grizzled gizzard]

The King combination water stones are popular and run around $35 for either the 800/4k, or the 1k/6k made popular by Murray Carter.

Lots of guys use Norton oil stones with Simple Green or Windex, because water based lubricants are easier to deal with than oil.