Thread: Can I use DMT 1200 grit for bevel setting, and also lapping Norton 4k/8k, Naniwa 12K?

Originally Posted by IanS

If you only need to lap stones once (Say if you just bought a finisher to maintain a few razors and aren't restoring a large amount of razors), tile/glass and paper/paste is probably the best option. However some stones are pretty damn hard. I'd guess if I'd done both my swaty's on paper I'd have used at least $30 in paper just for those two stones. By now I figure my DMT has saved me money.

Yea, I basically have a norton 4k/8k, and a Naniwa 12k that I would like to do an initial lapping on, and from there on out, just do touch up lapping. I really do infrequent honing. I only have a few razors that I like to hone. I am just trying to stay away from sandpaper, I would like something that I can grab and use quickly, and that wont risk putting sand particles in my stones. I am trying to find the best solution.

Are the norton and naniwa safe for the DMT stones that are either XXC, XC, or C? meaning is there a risk with even those stones, of stripping the diamonds off the plate, and ruining the DMT? This is assuming I only use the DMT plate with the norton 4k/8k, and naniwa 12k, and nothing else (no barber hones)

If you check the DMT website (DMT DiaSharp Diamond Sharpening Stones), they list "flattening whetstones" as a use for the XXC. I am pretty sure this is the only one they officially suggest you use to lap with. For what you are saying, the C, XC, or XXC should work if you lap under running water and with minimal pressure, but there are no guarantees. When you lap, as when you do anything, you do risk your gear, even if that risk is marginal.

Holli's spot on. I use the XC with no problems, but it's a calculated risk and I certainly wouldn't try to get warranty service if it did lose diamonds.

DMT recommends using the XX, X, or C for waterstone flattening. They say the C is "Also great for waterstone flattening." in this pdf and in the enclosures when you purchase one of the D6 series of hones.

I haven't had any problems using the D8C on anything yet, including the very hard white Spydercos. Just use lots of water.

EDIT: Using a DMT E 1200 for lapping isn't generally done, since slurry can cut the nickel holding the diamonds in place. It can, on occasion, be done as a finishing step following the 325; but it is still rather risky.

Wow thanks sticky. My XC is still under warranty then, nice to have that piece of mind.

Dustin
I have used Atoma diamond plates for 3 years now with excellent results, the 600 is the middle of the road and they cut quickly with very little vacuum because of their open matrix. PM me if you want more info. Alx

I've never used anything finer than the C for lapping--leaves a super-smooth edge on every stone I've lapped with it. Not really sure why you'd want to go finer or even if you'd really notice a difference. My E is for bevel-setting only.

OT, but how long does the initial lapping (thinking the 4k side especially here) of a norton 4/8 combo take on a C only? I'm thinking of picking one up as my diamond film is now dead. In Pace Requiescat!

Originally Posted by PA23-250

I've never used anything finer than the C for lapping--leaves a super-smooth edge on every stone I've lapped with it. Not really sure why you'd want to go finer or even if you'd really notice a difference. My E is for bevel-setting only.

OT, but how long does the initial lapping (thinking the 4k side especially here) of a norton 4/8 combo take on a C only? I'm thinking of picking one up as my diamond film is now dead. In Pace Requiescat!

On some hones, I see scratches from my DMTC (most notably Swaty's and C12k). I have been told that these scratches don't affect honing, but I lapped them off anyway.

I don't know about on Norton 4k's, but on hones I have (natural and synthetic), initial lapping seems to depend on luck - you may get one that is very close to flat or you may not. Regardless, I think that the benefits of having a Norton 4/8k will outweigh whatever the initial lapping time is.

Forgot to qualify that: except for barber hones!

Yeah, I'm definitely picking one up soon--the Dilucot method is fun for sure, but sometimes I just want to get a razor done quick & know that it's ready to go.

I was thinking more of what a lot of Norton users have reported--having to lap close to 1/8" off the 4k side to get it smooth enough for honing.