Question on Lapping plate for hones

[JCummins]

I am wanting to get some hones so I can learn to hone my own razor. For a starter set, I was thinking on getting the Naniwa value pack (5000/8000/12000 Grit). I also see that there is a Naniwa 220 Grit Lapping Plate.

Will the 220 Grit Lapping Plate work on those hones, or do I need to get multiple lapping plates for the different stones?

[JimmyHAD]

While it will work on all of those, and I've never used one of the naniwa plates, I swear by the DMT D8C continuous diamond plate. It will , with proper care, last for a very long time and is good for honing kitchen knives and such as well.

[JCummins]

I wouldn't mind getting something like that, but that will have to wait further down the line.

I am also really considering just buying the 8000 and the 12000 as it would be cheaper...I don't know that I would need the 5000. Or is the 5000 one of those that gets used a lot.

I'm not really looking to be setting bevels and such, I'm really looking to keep a blade very sharp.

[JimmyHAD]

Hard to say for sure since it depends on the condition of the blades. I always recommend the norton 4/8 because it can do it all but if you have sharp razors and just want to keep them sharp the 8k and 12k naniwa should do the trick AFAIC.

[Brighty83]

the naniwa stones are good but I would get a DMT 325 to lap the stones - they aren't too expensive and work well!

[Blix]

Just get a DMT D8C, it works on anything.

[Havachat45]

Just get a DMT D8C, it works on anything.

I've always wanted to know if you have to 'condition' the DMT in any way before using it to lap hones with.
Can anyone shed any light on this?
Geoff

[Brighty83]

i conditioned mine by lapping a stone.. a big, hard stone