Thread: Lapping a hone

So I was curious as how to properly lap a Norton 4k/8k with a DMT 325, or any stones for that matter. What goes where? Which stone do you move and which one stays still? How much water, if any? How to keep them flat and secure?

Any help would be great!

I am by far not an expert but this is what I do:

I take both stones and put them edge to edge under running water. I move the norton and hold the lapping stone still.

After I lap them I take the 8K and higher to 1000 grit sand paper that is wet and on the counter top. I swish the stone on top of the paper and it's all good from there.

- Cheers

Josh Earl put together a great tutorial that explains how to do this. I think this post should help you out best.

Thanks! I had some trouble finding a post on it.

Ooops. Looks as though I have misplaced two articles during operation spring cleaning in the Wiki. Here it is, with Josh's kind permission: Hone Lapping 101 - Straight Razor Place Wiki

I do a few of these every week. Here's what I do. I lay a piece of rubberized shelf liner in the sink. Put the DMT on the shelf liner. Adjust a flow of water over the DMT to wash away the swarf as it develops. Rub the Norton lengthwise on the DMT using slight side to side ovals. Flip the Norton end to end once in a while. After the first 20 strokes take a look at the Norton. Usuallly you'll see a light oval in the center of the stone. Most times Nortons are crowned in the center. Keep stroking. When the light area marches out to the corners, you're done. Nortons do not come plane from the factory and must be lapped or you risk putting a frown in your razor. The thin edge of the steel will conform to the shape of the stone. Oh, also remember to put a little chamfer on the all of the edges to help resist pressure flaking. You're done!