Thread: Some questions about lapping Naniwa stones

I current hone with a Naniwa stones: 1k, 3/8k and 12k. I have been lapping with 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper on a flat glass plate. I would like to invest in a stone to lap instead of sandpaper.

I have a few questions:

1.What is the best kind of stone or plate to lap Naniwa stones?
2. Can I use a Norton flattening stone for lapping Naniwa stones?
3. I see there are DMT DIA-SHARP BENCH STONE, 8"X3" There is a coarse, fine, extra fine and extra extra fine. What would the "grit" of these stones be? Which one of these stones, if any would be suitable for lapping Naniwa stones? Or bevel setting?

Thanks in advance!

Going by memory here. I'd say look it up but, The numbers DMT D8C? I think that might be right. Its 320 grit. I also have a combo plate that is 400/1000. I've never used the Norton flattening stone so I cant help with that one. The sand paper cant be very convenient to use.

i've been using a DMT 320 to lap my hones but i use it for lots of other sharpening so it is probably worn a little. Not sure if they can be used to lap right out of the box or if they should be prepared with some "burnishing" first.

Not long ago, I was on the market for a lapping plate as well.
The usual recommendations I saw (here and other forums) were DMT 8C (320 grit) and Atoma 400.
I settled for the latter and I'm very pleased with it.
Re: the Naniwa and Norton lapping stones, my understanding is that they're not as good, especially long term. With use, they may lose flatness and will need to be lapped themselves. I for one, decided to rule them out from the get go.

DMT 325 will work fine, I personally like Atoma 400 better though.

I got myself a Naniwa flattening stone for this very purpose and immediately regretted it.

It worked, but it seemed like it would clog up fairly quickly. In addition when I laid it on a flat surface it was not flat! I agree with Kamots that they would in time need to be lapped themselves. I came here to see what people preferred and the consensus was either what you are already doing or get a DMT 325.

In answer to your question I believe the coarse DMT is the 325 and the number refers to the grit size. I could be wrong. I have not got round to ordering one yet. I don't do sufficient honing to need it just yet. I would be interested as to how you get on as I have the same Naniwa 12K.

I have heard of people using them for honing too (I guess bevel set) but it seems that it might be a little course at 325.

Originally Posted by Porl

I got myself a Naniwa flattening stone for this very purpose and immediately regretted it.

It worked, but it seemed like it would clog up fairly quickly. In addition when I laid it on a flat surface it was not flat! I agree with Kamots that they would in time need to be lapped themselves. I came here to see what people preferred and the consensus was either what you are already doing or get a DMT 325.

In answer to your question I believe the coarse DMT is the 325 and the number refers to the grit size. I could be wrong. I have not got round to ordering one yet. I don't do sufficient honing to need it just yet. I would be interested as to how you get on as I have the same Naniwa 12K.

I have heard of people using them for honing too (I guess bevel set) but it seems that it might be a little course at 325.

I find this a bit confusing as well, but from what I read the DMT Coarse Hone, D8C, from DMT refers to 45 micron / 325 mesh. Not sure how that translates into "grit".

The D8C is 325 mesh which translates into 325 grit, just different words. Same meaning as far as I,m concerned.

That is a great plate to get. It will rework a damaged edge and lap your stones,, and as it gets worn a very good stone to start your slurry or clean your Hones.

I agree with Stephan, the Atoma 400 is my go to for flattening new stones now, it does not load up as quick and is a fast cutter, but I use my DMT. For everything, kitchen knives, pocket knives, and slurry. Tc

Originally Posted by tcrideshd

That is a great plate to get. It will rework a damaged edge and lap your stones, and as it gets worn a very good stone to start your slurry or clean your Hones.

And this is a good plate for lapping a synthetic stone like a Naniwa?

Originally Posted by Whizbang

And this is a good plate for lapping a synthetic stone like a Naniwa?

I've used my DMT 325 on everything from Nortons, Naniwas, Coticules and Zulu Grey. It's a great piece of equipment and fairly affordable. I've been using mine since about 2011 or '12. It's quite worn but still works great.