Lapping a Norton 4k/8k

**Tinzien** · 03-25-2008, 09:24 AM

I just took the scary plunge and ordered myself a Norton 4k/8k as my first ever stone so I can start down the honing pathway.

Do I need to lap this stone out of the box or should I be OK for awhile?

Thanks

**Isaac** · 03-25-2008, 09:25 AM

You should lap the stone to ensure a proper flat surface

**crankymoose** · 03-25-2008, 09:32 AM

Nortons definitely need lapping

http://www.badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=28478

I like the Norton lapping stone myself but as shown in the tutorial there are a number of other methods

**netsurfr** · 03-25-2008, 09:46 AM

Your Norton will definitely need lapping. Recommend a DMT-8C for the job.

**jlander** · 03-25-2008, 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by netsurfr

Your Norton will definitely need lapping. Recommend a DMT-8C for the job.

Big +1

**Chrisl** · 03-25-2008, 08:29 PM

Virtually any stone needs lapping prior to use (except the DMT plates because you can't and the Spyderco UF because most that have say it's not worth the time) and the Nortons are certainly included in this. I have quite a few hones and in my experience, the only stone that was ready to go out of the box was a vintage Tam O' Shanter. The pencil grid disappeared evenly in about 3-5 back and forths on my .5 micron flat Shapton GDLP (see my avatar). I couldn't believe it. Mmmmmmmmm....Tam O' Shanter........

Chris L