Which stones to buy and where?

jkulysses said:
What are the pros & con's of the combo crystalon vs the combo India stone?
Click to expand...

The Crystalon is silicon carbide, so grinds a bit faster and very consistent across steel types. It also breaks down a bit as it goes, generating a thin mud that inhibits burr formation a bit as it grinds, and constantly exposes fresh abrasive. This mud makes an excellent improvised stropping compound. Has very good to excellent tactile feedback.

The India stone is a durable aluminum oxide. It grinds a bit slower, but makes a cleaner finish than the SIC stones. As it breaks in it can create an edge much finer than its rated grit. Still has very good feedback. Is more susceptible to glazing or plugging, a SIC stone can be used dry from time to time, an India stone really shouldn't be used without oil and if it is should be scrubbed good afterward.

They both work best with oil IMHO. Both are great all purpose stones. I find the Crystalon to be more user friendly, but both stones are among my favorites.
 
Agreed. Both work very well on all the steels I've tried. The crystolon grinds down faster requiring leveling. Whereas the India being of a different material & binder does not wear down like that. Yes, my favorites as well. DM
 
Take a look at the 220 and 500 grit Shapton Glass Stones at chef knives to go. Just under $100 for both. And as good as it gets.
 
Here is a list of our paid dealers, we can generally only post links from dealers on their list so mind as well give you the whole thing.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1089879-Paid-Dealer-Members-List

And why not pick up the 8x2x1 combo's of each instead? It's significantly cheaper, $40 at the end of the day compared to $100. Or even move up to their larger 11 1/2 or 12in stones which set you back around the same. I haven't heard of a single person complain about going from coarse to fine on either stone, and they are always highly regarded. And don't forget a strop to further refine the edge you put on it, it will make quite a bit of difference if you don't already have one.
 
I am new here to this forum, but +1 on shapton stones. This guy is a wealth of knowledge on knives... If you are patient you can learn a lot from him. He doesn't speak English perfectly, but is easy to understand.

He also "uses" his knives.

It's actually how I got into the knife hobby. I follow his channel.

[video=youtube;6476dF7_6Ag]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6476dF7_6Ag[/video]
 
Last edited:
Bob6794 said:
Here is a list of our paid dealers, we can generally only post links from dealers on their list so mind as well give you the whole thing.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1089879-Paid-Dealer-Members-List

And why not pick up the 8x2x1 combo's of each instead? It's significantly cheaper, $40 at the end of the day compared to $100. Or even move up to their larger 11 1/2 or 12in stones which set you back around the same. I haven't heard of a single person complain about going from coarse to fine on either stone, and they are always highly regarded. And don't forget a strop to further refine the edge you put on it, it will make quite a bit of difference if you don't already have one.
Click to expand...

But we can use mediume and an another stone after it. (My finish stone is Hard Black Arkansas at the moment, and I use 3-4 stones before going to it). It depends on your task (condition of your blade). But maybe you a right. I will buy Combination India Stone at first to try it (it is on sale in my country and there is no necessity to wait for shipment from USA). Thank you for your advice.
 
I just got the economy versions of the India and Crystolon, I don't think you be disappointed with the India as I hear those are better than the economy version I have and I am love the economy from the little I've used it. Though it needs a quick strop after your done to make it shine in my opinion, or at least on my economy. The Crystolon on the other hand makes short work of any I've thrown at it thus far metal and leaves a very toothy edge in comparison to the much more refined feel of the India.
 
Just a Norton combination India fine and coarse stone will give you some good edges. Then add a level hardwood board with some grit applied to strop on. Learning free-hand technique will help you.
A simple kit. DM
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top