On DMT break in

[Mr Jeff]

I am a total newb here, should be recieving my first straight any day now. I ordered a set from classicshaving and the razor comes pre-sharpened by Lynn (pre-sharpened DOVO Blackstar set). I know enough from reading these forums to not touch the thing before its first use, and to only strop for the first few months.

I have some DMT plates on the way. I have read on here that they require a bit of a break-in period. Is this just a case of they start out ok and get better with use? Should I give them a go once or twice on my kitchen knifes to get the stone broken in?

Since the razor will come with a good edge to begin with will I even need to use the D8EE to maintain it? Will a quick once over with a finishing stone be all that is needed to keep the edge going at first?

Thanks for a great site. Hopefully this wasn't a too severe newb question explosion. Wish me luck keeping all the pieces of my face where they belong on my first shave.

[joel]

I am a total newb here, should be recieving my first straight any day now. I ordered a set from classicshaving and the razor comes pre-sharpened by Lynn (pre-sharpened DOVO Blackstar set). I know enough from reading these forums to not touch the thing before its first use, and to only strop for the first few months.

I have some DMT plates on the way. I have read on here that they require a bit of a break-in period. Is this just a case of they start out ok and get better with use? Should I give them a go once or twice on my kitchen knifes to get the stone broken in?

Since the razor will come with a good edge to begin with will I even need to use the D8EE to maintain it? Will a quick once over with a finishing stone be all that is needed to keep the edge going at first?

Thanks for a great site. Hopefully this wasn't a too severe newb question explosion. Wish me luck keeping all the pieces of my face where they belong on my first shave.

Firstly - a DMT D8EE cuts very, VERY quickly, so keep that in mind. Secondly, a DMT D8EE comes from DMT pre-broken in, so there is nothing you need to do to/with it. Thirdly - unless you REALLY know what you're doing (honing wise) never take a razor that has been professionally honed to ANY DMT hone coarser than the DMT D8EE, as they cut WAY too fast and you'll just overhone the hell out of it.

Get a pasted paddle strop, and use that to keep the edge on the Dovo wicked sharp.... when/if that stops working 3-4 ZERO pressure strokes on a DMT (wet) is all you'll need, as again, they cut incredibly fast.

Hope this helps!

[ouch]

I think the next finest DMT plate after the EE is a 1200 grit- way too coarse for you to use at this point.

[Sticky]

To break the lower grit DMTs in, lap something. (hone, chisel back, sorta' flat hunk of steel, etc...)

[Mr Jeff]

Thanks for the help guys. I have no intention of using the 8C on my razor. It will be used to lap some water stones for my kitchen knifes, and a Chinese 12k that is en-route. As for the 8EE I will take your warnings regarding its quick cutting nature to heart.

[Seraphim]

+1 on breaking in a diamond plate on a chisel back!

I'm working on a wedge, so I got a 1200 diamond plate. As new, it leaves big gouges that will remain on the edge, rendering it useless.

Take a chisel and lay it flat on the hone, and go nuts on it, back & forth until the finish it is left with is no longer matte, but a bit shiny.