Thread: Hand American Honing Plate

I've read the posts about honing on diamond film, but have not seen any posts about this:

http://www.japaneseknifesharpeningst...oductCode=HAGP

Looks like it is used in conjunction with diamond sprays, and the films reusable.

Anyone have any experience with them?

That is a glass plate intended for use on a flat bed hone. In addition to the glass, which is suitable for use with honing film or paper, the base will hold leather or hard felt pads. It allows for a wide assortment of pastes and sprays to be used for the final polish on an edge. All in all a pretty good system that is used by a lot of guys. I have one with a stack of pads and really like it. The cost of the pads can add up, however, and if the goal is to facilitate the use of pastes and sprays a hanging felt strop might be a better choice.

Thanks, Bill. So you can use this in a stropping motion, but can you use it edge forward, like a hone, with diamond spray as you do with the 3M films? If so, is it used dry? I am assuming the diamond spray or paste would come off if you use water while honing (unlike the bonded diamond on the commercially available films.

Ray, I've never used the glass plate and film but I do have the magnetic Corian base with the leather and felt magnetic tops. You can use them as is or with your choice of paste or chrom ox. I like the options and it is a nice addition to the honing arsenal. Another couple of arrows in the quiver. I inquired about the glass plate months ago and if memory serves Dave said they weren't going to be available too soon. I think Keith is focused on other projects.

I have been intrigued by Seraphim's posts about the diamond films, and thought this may be an alternative, but using the pastes that I already have. Looks like it will be more useful from stropping, though, and I already have that covered. Thanks for the clarification.

Ray,
I have only used the precoated papers and films, which you can use with either an edge forward or edge trailing stroke. I only use the flatbed with the edge trailing and generally with a leather or felt pad. My concern is that if the paper/film slips or wrinkles (however unlikely that may be) it will do some damage to the edge.

I think you are right about the spray or paste coming off. That is conjecture on my part, however.