Clean That DMT!!!!

My DMT 325 and Nani 1k are the true workhorses of my honing regiment. I actually just wrote a post recently praising the 325 and it's versatility. I learned something new about it last night reading through old threads. Up until now I have cleaned my DMT by rubbing it under running water with my hand and then drying it thoroughly, but it still had dark spots and other "off" spots no matter what. I read in another thread to clean your DMT with a stiff nylon brush and Ajax/Comet (Thanks Gssixgun! :rock:) Man what a difference!!!! The thing looks practically new and is functioning far better without all the gunk clogging the abrasive. I wanted to spread the info, because honestly I never knew and it's a great tip.

Here is the original thread: http://straightrazorpalace.com/hones...ppoinment.html

Yes this is a great refresh post.

I use a finger nail brush or a Bix nylon stripping brush, from Home Depot and Barkeepers Friend.

Let the Barkeepers sit on the plate once slurried, for a few minutes then scrub and rinse.

Old tooth brush works wonders.

I use lemon juice - rub it over the plate, leave for a short while (ie 10 mins or less) and the gunk just brushes off. You can actually see some bubble formation as the acid (citric?) in the lemon attacks the carbonate/magnesium residues on the plate.

Regards,
Neil

Is it necessary to clean the DMT if it is only used as a lapping plate?

I would say yeah! That is what caused the most buildup on my DMT. It would have dark spots from lapping Thuris. You will be able to see when it needs a cleaning.