Thread: A theoretical discussion about honing particles

Well technically (we are in the advanced honing section) I'd imagine that mesh or grit or whatever is some measure of central tendency per square inch (or whatever). An average, for example, or a median. Or perhaps a maximum number per square unit. It is highly unlikely, however excellent the manufacturing or natural process that generates the hones is, that there is uniformity across the entire stone in this regard. There is also variability with regards particulate size - again, I would imagine that a measure of central tendency such as a mean or median size is what is being quoted in this regard. Or, given things are run through sieves, perhaps a maximum size is quoted. In any event, both the size of the individual particles, and how many of them fit into a square unit of hone, is variable. How much variability there is will effect the working of the hone in my mind.

When it comes to converting grits to microns it appears it is not exactly as simple as "one chart fits all". Based on a little analysis I did a while back, the constants in the conversion formula vary depending on who (manufacturer, and their processes/medium/particle geometry etc...) you are talking about. The relationship is basically an inverse one (of course). For those interested the results are here.

James.