Thread: The Question of hone flatness

Regarding the diamond plate, is there any prep needed for a new plate? I thought I saw some mention of doing something to prepare it, so it didn't scratch the hone up, but I can't recall where or what the procedure is. I have a new DMT for my Norton 4/8K and SS.

Originally Posted by pcm

Regarding the diamond plate, is there any prep needed for a new plate? I thought I saw some mention of doing something to prepare it, so it didn't scratch the hone up, but I can't recall where or what the procedure is. I have a new DMT for my Norton 4/8K and SS.

Sharpen your kitchin knives on it, than use it.

Pix has it right, I took a huge Wusthof clever to mine with soapy water, conditioned it in no time flat.
It's been serving me well for almost a year now.

Or rub the shaft of a screwdriver up and down it 8-10 times. Just knocks off any big protruding diamond pieces.

Originally Posted by Haroldg48

Or rub the shaft of a screwdriver up and down it 8-10 times. Just knocks off any big protruding diamond pieces.

Bear in mind, most screwdrivers are chrome plated,you do not want to muck up your new plate with chrome or cadmium particals.
Any pce of carbon steel will work (unplated)

Thanks! I'll try sharpening one of my kitchen knives on it. I think I ended up with some scratches on my Naniwa SS from the DMT. Maybe I can lap them out.

Originally Posted by pcm

Thanks! I'll try sharpening one of my kitchen knives on it. I think I ended up with some scratches on my Naniwa SS from the DMT. Maybe I can lap them out.

Sure, you can lap them out. Used to be recommended, and I guess still is, to rub the plate down with a chisel or a plane blade. I use a 12" Stanley Hurwood screwdriver (the length, not the point) since I don't have planes or chisels. Make sure to get the edges at the top of the plate.

Originally Posted by eKretz

I wouldn't think so. When used as a cleanser it's pretty much full strength with just enough water to form a paste. Once it gets washed down the drain with running water it would be pretty dilute. Even when it's a concentrated paste it's not like you can witness the chemical reaction and watch the steel dissolve before your eyes or anything. The dissolving that occurs is on a pretty microscopic level - it only takes a tiny amount of reduction in the size of a steel swarf particle to make it come loose from anywhere it might be stuck/wedged.

Interesting stuff Eric, thanks.

Alx