Need some input please...

[Samjax]

Okay...I've been doing the lapping film and enjoy it quite a lot. However, I do own 3 DMT stones that are the 3x8 size - they are the 600, 1200 and 8000. Obviously, I wish DMT made a wider grit variety (micron/mesh size) but currently they do not. But...I just happened across these today - they are also 3x8 (like my current DMTs) and don't need lapping.

http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/pag...38&cat=51&ap=1

So I'm thinking, if I got 2 of those with 6 and 1 micron pastes...

That would give me 5 3x8 stones of:

600
1200
3000 (6 micron)
8000
14000 (1 micron)

As far as that goes, I could get another 3x8 Veritas plate (for a total of 3) and use yet another diamond paste (I don't think that they are "paste" specific) if any "gaps" needed to be filled. I've always liked the idea of no-lapping, no water, no oil, etc...and the DMT plates are generally held in high regard. The downside apparently is that they leave some scratches and cut pretty fast and - they don't have quite enough grit variety to go strictly DMT.

My question is - for a guy who is a casual honer as such - and unlikely to ever own more than a handful of decent straights - how long do you think the diamond pastes would last on the 3x8 Veritas plates? I'm in the process of learning to hone and I find it somewhat relaxing, albeit challenging and of course, fun. Have I found a viable solution or just another "honing" distraction? Truth be told, I could always sell my DMTs and just buy a boatload of lapping film and probably do just as well...but that does nothing for HAD. :)

Thanks!

[brother cavefish]

personally i think you might be overkilling it-------you could pull off a sweet blade w 1200,3K, 8K---the 600 is for the full blown restorers on here, i dont think you will ever need it
14000 is nice but balsa CrOx/iron oxide brings a nice edge and is a lot cheaper ---------another finisher a .25 diamond Loaded felt benchstrop lasts for a couple years if not more) and then the iron oxide---------- then strop. for my part the balsa and the leather strop is what pulls off the edge-my 2cents

as for the diamond felt strop i poured the whole bottle on it,-- was i just fine with the balsa? ,Yes, but i wanted to try the loaded felt

my whole system is Chosera 1K, ( only for bevel setting) norton 4K/8K----- balsa (both sides), either or felt w/diamond-and a mean strop i made

killer sharp razors-i am just a casual smoe like you , 8 razors, the Chosera 1K might have been overkill for me but , if i ever chip a blade the Chosera is a fast proven winner-------good luck bro

[dakotaev]

Interesting. I'm not sure anyone here can help you determine how well the "paste on plate" would work on razors. However I can say from my experience, LeeValley sells nothing but great products. This representation is obviously meant for tools but you might be the first one to prove it can be used for razors :)

[brother cavefish]

Interesting. I'm not sure anyone here can help you determine how well the "paste on plate" would work on razors. However I can say from my experience, LeeValley sells nothing but great products. This representation is obviously meant for tools but you might be the first one to prove it can be used for razors :)

just to add Lee valley has some sweet wood working tools , but it is not where i would buy razor products, they are a little pricey

[Kentos]

just to add Lee valley has some sweet wood working tools , but it is not where i would buy razor products, they are a little pricey

True, but some things are available only from them. ;)

[Earcutter]

Interesting. I'm not sure anyone here can help you determine how well the "paste on plate" would work on razors. However I can say from my experience, LeeValley sells nothing but great products. This representation is obviously meant for tools but you might be the first one to prove it can be used for razors :)

I would agree and add that it's nice to see LV not selling them for 50% more lol!

I will throw in two other ideas: You could get a Coti, or a 5K and 12K Naniwa! Either would give you (with what you have) an edge that you will like. I name those as I have them though there are other solutions as well.

Now that I have been getting a little bit into honing, I think a 1K, a Coti and maybe a finishing stone would be all I ever needed. I just have a sickness : ).

[Wid]

Your Coti can be your finishing stone when used properly.

[brother cavefish]

I would agree and add that it's nice to see LV not selling them for 50% more lol!

I will throw in two other ideas: You could get a Coti, or a 5K and 12K Naniwa! Either would give you (with what you have) an edge that you will like. I name those as I have them though there are other solutions as well.

Now that I have been getting a little bit into honing, I think a 1K, a Coti and maybe a finishing stone would be all I ever needed. I just have a sickness : ).

you could pull it off easily 1K , coti, -------patients though----------but yes a 5K, 12K would kick butt, you have speed and a fine hone, actually you just kinked my system, thats a great idea- but i am where i am---------------- i tell you what Samjax you have got some great ideas flowing here brother

[rickboone1]

So, the steel is a substrate for diamond pastes? Pretty cool. I take it you clean it after each use, or do you keep it on there?

These would be good to hold the lapping film.

[brother cavefish]

Your Coti can be your finishing stone when used properly.

for me it did not work, i needed a bigger Coti 3" by 8, and they cost to much, plus one have to figure out the variances in slurry ( slurry to plain water)there is an art to Cotis, my norton is sesame street LOL---- seriously , if i had a big Coti it would be nice the small one just re-dulled the hone

[Samjax]

Here is a bit more information - apparently the diamond paste embeds into the plate. I'm thinking that you would want to use 1 plate per specific grit level though; as to minimize any issues while honing. Not sure exactly how one would determine when to "recharge" the surface though. In addition, if you were using a 6 micron (appx. 3000 grit) paste - that will take some metal off - not sure if you rinse off the plate after doing a number of laps - if the paste would wash off as well.

http://www.leevalley.com/en/shopping...s.aspx?p=69448