Which Shapton after a DMT Extra Fine?

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Right now I'm doing OK with my DMT F/XF set-up. I'd like to experiment with 1 more stone, a finer one, a Shapton. Any grit recommendations post DMT ef?
 
DMT EF is 9µ, close to the Shapton 1500. Go to the "Grand Unified" sticky at the top of this subforum. Has a bunch of comparisons.
 
Based on having DMT EF and some Nubatama waterstones, I'd say the next grit is something like 3000 JIS. You might even be able to get away with 5000 JIS. The finish from the EF seems similar to the finish from a Nubatama 1000, but maybe not quite as refined. You could probably jump straight to the 5000, but you'd have to experiment or talk to someone who has more waterstone knowledge.

Brian.
 
Yea ef is 9 micron according to dmt's spec sheet. I don't know where I saw the 3 micron figure. I forgot about that grit chart. Thanks for the reminder.

I'm thinking 3000 at this point. Alas, I'm not sure what kind of grit progression I can get away with. Anyone? More opinions welcome.
 
Shaptons cut pretty fast. You should be OK going to a 3000 from the EF if you want to save a few bucks. I often go from a DMT coarse to a Shapton 2000.
 
Here are the DMT plates available in 8" x 3" size.

DMT 120 (XXC) D8XX - 120µ
DMT 220 (XC) D8X - 60µ
DMT 325 (C) D8C - 45µ
DMT 600 (F) D8F - 25µ
DMT 1200 (XF) D8E - 9µ
DMT 4000 (MXF) D8ME - 6µ ** Medium Extra Fine limited availability. Is available at Amazon and elsewhere currently.
DMT 8000 (XXF) D8EE - 3µ

Shapton 5000 = 2.94µ
Shapton 8000 = 1.84µ
Shapton 16000 = .92µ

There are the numbers. Now you can decide?
 
Numbers only give you a idea, a 3 Micron DMT plate is going to be much different from a 2.94 Micron shapton.

Just get some waterstones and don't mix them with diamond hones.
 
Knifenut is right there, IMO. I've noticed in my sharpening escapades (using magnification, of course) that the diamond stones leave a lot of random deep scratches due to their nature (diamonds embedded in nickel plating, some are bound to stick up higher than others). The waterstones leave a much more uniform edge. For knife sharpening I'm not so sure it's a big deal, but for something like a straight razor I try to steer clear of the diamond stones, otherwise it takes a lot more honing to get rid of the random deeper scratches...and with a straight razor those can be a pain, literally.
 
Why?

How do waterstones interact with 3V or S90V?

No experience with 3V. Water stones cut S90V SLOWLY! I sharpen S90V with diamonds and POLISH with water stones.

I normally use a Shapton 500 Glass after the DMT XF to remove the diamond scratches, and then go to a 1K, 2K, 5K etc.
 
Why?

Because only a very coarse diamond stone has any value when also using waterstones. Waterstones will jump through the grits faster and with fewer stones so using a set of diamonds would just mean your using bunch of stones that were not needed.

How do waterstones interact with 3V or S90V?

3V is doable S90V on the other hand is very wear resistant and would be best sharpened on diamonds. Sometimes its best to use the right tool for the job.

My response in the quote.
 
Thanks... That's what I've read before about rubbing against the very wear resistance steels. A sharp and hard abrasive is needed.
 
DMT D8ME it is. I do like my F/EF plate. I suppose I'll stick with what I know.

Thanks folks.
 
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