Thread: Flattening Question

This isn't about razor hones really, but as far as I know, you guys know more about flattening stones than probably anywhere else online.

I picked up an old dual-sided silicon carbide oil stone (aka crystolon stone) at an antique place a long time ago. I think I paid around $2 for it, so even if it was just a fun paper weight, it was worth it. I knew it wouldn't do for razors as it was clearly made for knives and tools. As I suspected, it is heavily dished on the coarse side. It just kind of sat around for a long time as I had other things that filled its role, but lately I've been thinking of putting it in my travel sharpening kit as it is a nice size; not too big, but just big enough for doing stuff like chef's knives.

The issue is that the highest points of it are the corners and they just tear into W/D sandpaper (I'm not even sure if silicon carbide sandpaper would work on an S/C stone, but sandpaper is cheap enough it was worth a try). I'm wary of putting it to my diamond plates as I'm worried that the damn thing is so hard that it would chew up my plate, and then I'm out the money for a diamond plate, which is at least $70 up here in Canada for a DMT. I know there are some cheaper ones out there, but they are mainly available in the U.S. and with our dollar as it is, it makes more sense to just get the DMT up here.

What do you guys think? Will a diamond plate work on this thing? What about Silicon Carbide grit?

Let me start by saying I am not an expert...

A diamond stone should work, I have used a dmt to flatten many hones. Logic would tell me that SiC paper or grit wouldn't work too well on a SiC hone, but I have been known to be frequently wrong.
Just a warning if you use your DMT: if the stone is really hard and you use pressure you can lose some of your diamonds or at least cause some wear. I am not sure if I would risk damaging my dmt over a 2$ stone...

If you have a diamond plate that is 325 grit or lower, then go ahead and use it. Just use light pressure under running water making sure that the water is getting between the hone and the plate. Maybe every 30 seconds, lift off the hone and rinse the plate clear of slurry. Occasionally rotate the hone end for end.

You will get a more accurate answer if you post some pictures. There are many different types of stones. Some were dish shaped.

[QUOTE=Utopian;1532144]If you have a diamond plate that is 325 grit or lower, then go ahead and use it. Just use light pressure under running water making sure that the water is getting between the hone and the plate. Maybe every 30 seconds, lift off the hone and rinse the plate clear of slurry. Occasionally rotate the hone end for end.[/QUOTE

Here's a link to flattening the Norton 4 and 8K hones. Different hones, same method that Utopian is talking about. Well I hope so

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6c4hqYwUNl4

Use your pavement to grind it pretty flat and do most of the work and your diamond plate from there.

Oh not he didn't!!!!!!!

Glen, say it ain't so!

You referred to the washer and dryer as being the wife's?



Bad Glen, bad!

Originally Posted by eddy79

Use your pavement to grind it pretty flat and do most of the work and your diamond plate from there.

^^ S'what I would do & have done.

Cinder blocks &/or belt sanders are another option for the heavy lifting.

Originally Posted by Utopian

Oh not he didn't!!!!!!!

Glen, say it ain't so!

You referred to the washer and dryer as being the wife's?



Bad Glen, bad!

Ron, I've checked and I can't find any videos of Glen doing the laundry

I guess Glen I going to have to correct that soon!