Thread: Zulu discrepancy

I have two Zulu Grey hones. I originally bought a 6x2 off the classifieds but then a 8x3 came up for under a hundred. Well the small hone is great but I'm having issues with the large one. There are these dark spots on the honing surface and during strokes a texture change. I'm at work so I can't post pics till later tonight. My hope is to lap past the spots/ inclusions. Has anyone had a similar experience with a Zulu? I wish they were not so hard since it will take a million years even on 80 grit.

First thing I would do is contact Michael.

I'll shoot him an email now actually.

To comment correctly on your hone, then photos as you know would greatly help,,,with that said, there are dark spots on my Zulu also, but they are small & I not even sure were are talking about the same type of spots. But a good lapping of mine negates any problem with the spots.
I also use a DMT 325 & 1200 on my Zulu, lapping under running water, this makes my lapping of the Zulu quite easy compared to other stones I have.

I can't help but agree with 10pups and think maybe include pictures with that email. He is a reasonable man.

Well seeing as I bought it second hand it doesn't seem right for him to take a hit. I would certainly, gladly accept his advice though. I have also heard he is a great vendor willing to go the extra.

That is what I was suggesting. I'd be willing to bet that he has the greatest knowledge base on those. It is hard for anyone to venture a guess without pictures though. ;-)

It maybe just the edges and not the spots themselves. It may be somebody lapped it with 80 grit on a belt sander :<0) I don't think he would take it back or replace it but he will know and be interested in any problems your having with it I'm sure. It might help to ask the seller if he had a problem with it and maybe what he did with/to it.

Here are some pics of what seem to be the issue.

Looks like a depression and may be below the lapped surface. Just a guess.