Thread: How to tell the grit of a hone?

I recently was at Dollar Tree with the girlfriend to get some tissue paper for a gift she was putting together. I walked down the tools and hardware isle and found a little 6 inch double sided stone. The brand is "Tool Bench Hardware" I paid $1.25 for it so I don't expect much. It feels low grit compared to my lowest 400 grit stone which feels smooth. How would I tell the grit. I'm mainly going to use it for knives. The question I have is which is the best way to determine grits or is there?

Experience.

Lacking that you can take some slurry and check it under a mike that has a measuring function.

Often times you just have to use it and see what happens.

Agree with all above... Saying that the hone you bought are not for straight razors. I wouldn't use it for my kitchen knifes either. Only knifes for the garden and cutting.

You can measure the grid, or grind if you like. But that's really not nessesary. With naturals grid is normal 1k and up to 12-15k some naturals are good as finishers and some as starters.

The Cretan oil hone is good as a starter and coticule are good as a finisher.

Your hone is a synthetic and properly around 250 grid.

I have no real idea. What if think is more important is the question of is it high enough grit to use with razors, and after that the next question is where does it fit in the progression. It does not look like it passes the first question. Really low grit, 200 and 400 are often seen in the hardware stores and dollar stores. Super thirsty with loose grit is the one that I have. I use mine for taking chips out of chisels and not much else, I suppose it would work for bevel setting on a hatchet or axe.

You can find a piece of iron/steel, grind it, and see how deep the scratches are. I find this to be the most reliable method, as long as your stone is lapped. After that, it's experience.
Or you can lick it and see how long it takes for your tongue to start bleeding

Originally Posted by RezDog

I have no real idea. What if think is more important is the question of is it high enough grit to use with razors, and after that the next question is where does it fit in the progression. It does not look like it passes the first question. Really low grit, 200 and 400 are often seen in the hardware stores and dollar stores. Super thirsty with loose grit is the one that I have. I use mine for taking chips out of chisels and not much else, I suppose it would work for bevel setting on a hatchet or axe.

I would never use it on my razors. I cherish them!! I however need to sharpen my chisels they are nicked and beat up. Garden tools and outdoor knifes I'm going to use it for, keeping it in my travel bag. I just thought for $1.25 why not.

I know what this stone should be used for just wanted grit estimates and suggestions!
( I have different types of razor hones, 400g 1k 3k 8 k and a couple coticules, this isn't my first rodeo so to speak.. Not that I really know how to use them all )

Originally Posted by Vasilis

You can find a piece of iron/steel, grind it, and see how deep the scratches are. I find this to be the most reliable method, as long as your stone is lapped. After that, it's experience.
Or you can lick it and see how long it takes for your tongue to start bleeding

Hahah. Sound idea. I'll check the scratch pattern.

Just call it course and extra course.

Just to add a little bit to the confusion: I agree with what has been stated, regarding testing, but would also add that some brand new stones "feel" smoother/finer just because of surface finish; it becomes coarser after a couple of uses.