Thread: Advice on lapping plates

Maybe, that is the problem /frustration with any natural and more so with Chinese Naturals especially the newer stones, they vary wildly in performance. The Original stones sold years ago seemed to be much more consistent, and even then, from the same distributor there was a marked variance in performance.

A natural stone can vary in performance from side to side as you are apparently experiencing.

You can try using the side that feel finest, but feeling is not always an indicator. You will just have to try them. Once flat, smoothing goes quickly.

I assume you are just smoothing with 600-100? You will go through a lot of sand paper if not. You should flatten them on 60 grit Silicone Oxide and a steel cookie sheet first, then smooth working up the grits to 600 paper.

And as I stated before, do not be surprised if any of them do not improve a 10k edge. Some may, but most are over rated. None perform like a good Hard Ark.