Thread: took a look at my edge w/microscope

I've read about lapping stones. When I purchase these, should I lap them right out of the box?

Oh, I was thinking about the sandpaper on the tile or flat counter. Should I raise it up so I can keep the handle out of the way? It occured to me that if I use it say on a flat countertop, I won't get the blade's edge and spine flat on the paper because of the scales.

I believe I gave them their first lapping with 1k grit but after that I used them on each other. First I'd use the sides to get the worst of the embedded metal particles and then I'd just rub the flat surfaces together until nice and flat.
Another reason for me recommending a plastic cutting board as the base surface is to raise them up a bit.

Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

I believe I gave them their first lapping with 1k grit but after that I used them on each other. First I'd use the sides to get the worst of the embedded metal particles and then I'd just rub the flat surfaces together until nice and flat.
Another reason for me recommending a plastic cutting board as the base surface is to raise them up a bit.

Sorry, with all this new information I guess this part got lost. I'm definately re-reading this before I begin any work.

Wow. almost 1am. Time flies and I've got church in the morning. I'll post my progress report later tonight.

Make sure you drink an extra cup of coffee in the morning, so you don't offend a certain religious personage by yawning in his face

Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

Make sure you drink an extra cup of coffee in the morning, so you don't offend a certain religious personage by yawning in his face

Right, then I'll shake while trying to keep a steady hand for the edge restoration. Well, I suppose I would have a razor that resembles a saw at that point

You'll get over the shakes by the time the Christmas Mass/service/sermon is done and be up and atom for the razors That's coming from a guy who drinks 5-8 cups a day lol

Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

1) Sand paper is your best friend!

1000 grit really makes the hones work load lighter.

Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

2) To finish off the edge you will need a finishing hone or another fine abrasive like 0.5 micron Chromium Oxide. I shaved straight off the 8k slip but it wasn't nearly as comfortable as it is now.

My little Swaty make it nice and smooth, but lately you've been putting ideas about green paint in my head.

Update:

The sandpaper removed the nicks!!

I purchased a Norton 4k/8k because the store didn't have the slip stones I was after. Here's a lesson I learned: just because the Norton is new, doesn't mean it shouldn't be lapped. I think that caused some issues as I was doing the thumbnail test and kept getting a digging but gritty and non-smooth feeling.

I took it to the pasted paddle at 1 and .5 diamond paste. Got a fairly keen edge and tried shaving. Not so smooth. I went back to the paddle mid-shave for a touch up and that got me through with little razor burn but not as close a shave as I've gotten before.

Back to the paste and finally got the edge to pass the thumbnail test successfully. I am going to try to shave again and, if I don't like the smoothness, I will lap the Norton this time and use the pyramid again.

Overall, a great experience and I learned quite a bit. I think the edge is almost there so one more round on a properly lapped Norton ought to do the trick.

Great advice, Ilija!

Glad to be of service

Related question on the Norton:

What grit sandpaper do I use to lap the stone on both the 4k and 8k sides? The instructions said use a 220 grit but then said the 4k/8k should be finished on a 400-600 grit. Does this mean I lap with 400 grit or 220 and then 400.

Second question: How do I know its been lapped flat? I've heard about people drawing a pencil marking on it but in what pattern?