Thread: how do I lap a stone?

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.

Lapping a stone with sandpaper - YouTube