Originally Posted by
holli4pirating
I don't agree with the first part of that. If a 12k abrasive is buried deep in binder, such that only so much of it is exposed, it could cut as shallow as a 20k abrasive. If the finish is based on depth of scratches, they could be the same. Might take more honing, as, in theory, 12k abrasive would be more spread out than the 20k abrasive, so it would take more time to eliminate the scratches from the previous hone. And you'd have to avoid burnishing on steel that is removed and is stuck in (what would have to be) slow wearing binder. Or the grit itself could break down, etc etc.
I do agree with the idea that assigning grit ratings only provides a rough guide, and the roughness gets more rough as the abrasive becomes finer. (ha, rough/fine)