Thread: Dragons Tongue Hone anyone?

I have used my DT very little. So far I've found it to be a very slow stone. This doesn't surprise me since I have another slate variety (multicolored) polishing whetstone that is extremely smooth but also very slow.

I've honed some woodworking chisels recently using my DMTs and polishing the bevels and backs on dry coticules (works great BTW). I tried polishing the chisel bevels and backs on a dry DT. Of course I was using a good amount of pressure (much much much more than would ever be used for razors). The dry DT glazed almost immediately rendering it useless for that purpose in that capacity. What does that tell me? I'm not sure, but I think even with water, being a slow polisher, it may also be prone after long honing sessions to glazing. Not a big deal, it would just need refreshing on the lapping plate.

Chris L

Okay. Well I'm currently on the market for a cheap natural finisher with character. So i wouldn't mind some extra work. As long as it is a serviceable, smooth hone, which it seems to be, I think I will get it.

They're inexpensive and as someone who has HAD, I'm glad I own one. Can you shave off the DT without going to any higher stone? I've tried this once so far, and it's possible. The shave was not up to my standards, but it did create a lower end of the spectrum shavable edge for me.

Chris L

I still think the DT is so cheap it's worth getting, but I'm not sure how to use it in a progression. I've used it twice as the finisher, and it has reduced sharpness. It still shaves, but I need 3 or 4 passes to catch all hairs. On the plus side I get no irritation, and seem unable to give myself cuts or nicks! As I've said elsewhere, could be perfect if you are shaving someone else!

Trouble is as always finding the time to experiment and shave. The loss of sharpness could just be down to my user error, it is narrower than most of my hones.

Do I hear "Big plisher with a slurry stone for price of four pints". And you still haven't got it? There must be something wrong. That one on the left is mine. Just be ready when it arrives to flaten and lap it.

Nice Charnleys on the right.

Chris L

Thank you. Last weeks luck. Made my decision making about which one to keep and which to let go much easier.