Also any videos on such? Is there something else i need to buy? Should i lap my new Norton before putting a blade to it? Ive bought a couple of inexpensive razors to practice with.
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Also any videos on such? Is there something else i need to buy? Should i lap my new Norton before putting a blade to it? Ive bought a couple of inexpensive razors to practice with.
Here's what I use for lapping hones: A DMT 325 for synthetic stones. A Chosera 1K slurry stone to use on natural stones after the DMT. For both synthetic and naturals, I don't draw any grid. I just lap them until the hone feels smooth. With a new synthetic like Norton's or Naniwa's, they feel a little gritty when new. So I just lap them with my DMT 325 until they feel smooth. While lapping under the faucet, I feel the stone with my fingers. If I feel a little rough spot, I smooth it out, and I don't stop until the whole surface is smooth. With naturals, I use the DMT, then I use the Chosera 1K slurry stone to give the natural that super smooth feeling. I don't worry about a hone being flat. I haven't found it effects the honing. I have a Coticule that I can tell isn't flat just by looking at it and it performs fine. Here is a link to the Chosera 1K slurry stone http://www.chefknivestogo.com/ch1kgrslst.html
I dont feel like spending much money at first. Can u do it with sand paper? If so how?
I am new to this myself , I am definitely no expert, but from what I have already researched ; you need to lap your new stone to round of the edges; if your blade accidently hits urounded edges it can damage the blade. Being new at this myself , I plan to draw a grid at 1 inch intervals until I become more familar and experienced. Also, after each pass make sure to lift your blade upward not downward into the stone.
I use 400 grit wet/dry sand paper that you can get at any hardware store for a couple bucks.
Cool. Do you glue it to a 2x4 or something to keep it flat? I imagine since mine is new it wont need alot, just enough to get it smoothQuote:
Originally Posted by HARRYWALLY
2x4s are flat, but you want something *really* flat. Any imperfections on the surface under the sandpaper will do a number on your efforts to lap the stone.
I have a tile I picked up from home depot for a few bucks that works well. I mostly use a DMT now, but the sandpaper will definitely do the trick.
A glass top stove works well. Just don't let the wife see you doing it there.
You do really need to lap that Norton. They are really rough surfaces when new.
I found that I had to lap more than just what was needed to get it flat.
Once I got mine flat which I proved by removing the penciled grid drawn on the stone, I needed to remove at least that much more material to get it feeling equally smoth all over its surface.
The 8000 side diidn't require as much sanding as the 4000 side. From what is on the forum i beleive that is the norm.
I initially used the countertop to lap with but now I bring out a piece of granite countertop that I had made to use as a baking stone. Wet and dry sandpaper works well enough and is cheap. 3M or Norton papers seem to be of higher quality and will outlast most of the others that I have tried. 360 and 400 grits have worked well for me. Circles or X rubbing patterns seem to work faster. Lighter pressures will result in more work performed with less wear to the paper as heavy pressure breaks loose many of the abrasive particles before you get them worn down.
I think you will like the Norton. I have been very happy with the performance of mine.
You might very well also be quite pleased with the performance of those inexpensive razors if they are old ones. The cheap new stuff has a reputation for being very inconsistant in steel quality and overall workmanship.
Are you guys serious about using granite countertops? How so?
We would never lie to you!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by ccase39
You need that stone to be as flat as possible. If its dished in any way, You'll have a harder time with your honing. Also that fresh surface you bring up will cut a lot nicer then the surface from the factory. I find a fresh surface when I'm honing is a must. lets me "feel" what I'm doing better. You should search more info at the top there in the search bar. I have limited experience and there's more threads with info from very experienced guys on this subject.
I have a relatively new Corian counter top which is around 3/8" thick. It seems stable enough but when when applying much pressure on it I can feel it flexing. I used that surface to lap on for months and got reasonably good results.
The piece of granite I use is 3/4"
thick and being solid rock it just doesn't flex.
I just lapped an antique 5" X 2 3/8" Coticule on it and the reflexions off it are absolutely perfect all the way out to the edges.
Do you absolutely need a perfectly flat lapped stone to sharpen a razor? No you don't. However, if you want to sharpen a razor to as perfect and sharp an edge as possible, then using a stone that is as flat as possible definately gives you an advantage.
When using pressure on the blade while sharpening the blade will flex a little and will follow a stones irregularities.
When you are finishing up on a stone your last few passes are with minimal pressure.
This is where the irregularities of flatness of the stone will leave you wanting.
How does that smooth of a surface smooth out a stone? I would figure it would need to be abrasive.Quote:
Originally Posted by Galaxy51
Sorry! I forgot to state that the granite is the base that you put the sandpaper on so the paper lays absolutely flat.
Wet the granite so that suface tension of the water will hold the paper in place.
3M and Norton really make good sandpaper. Get one of those brands if you can.
I just tried GatorGrit that is made in Finland and it wanted to curl up into a roll instead of laying flat!
Another good thing about the granite and sandpaper is that the paper is replaceable. If you want to try a coarses or finer grit to see how that effects your hone you can do so.
Also, because the sandpaper does the work, the granite will never wear out.
It would be very nice of you to get mama a "baking stone" for Christmas.:gl:
Thanks for all your help guys. I got some waterproof sandpaper and after following your advice and watching multiple videos I tried my hand at lapping my new Norton. I could not believe the difference. It is much smoother now than when it arrived from the factory. Im gonna wait a while before I start honing but I like to have all my guns cocked and loaded.