DMT 1200 Use

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03-17-2010, 01:12 PM
Stubear

I have heard of other members using this stone to set bevels, though I cant recall who it was at the moment. It may have been JimmyHAD who mentioned it...?

I cant think of a reason why you couldnt use one though! :) Its the right grit, and you know the stones are guaranteed flat so I'd have thought it would be a good stone to use.

I have the DMT 325 which I have used a couple of times for major edge repair and to lap my Shaptons and it works great. I really like it, and if it ever wore out I'd replace it in a flash.

Hopefully someone who uses the 1200 will advise further..!
03-17-2010, 01:17 PM
LarryAndro

I use the Naniwa Superstone 1K and am happy with it. But, like you StuBear, I can't think of a reason why the DMT 1200 couldn't be used. But, the silence (I think) on its use might imply there is a reason not to use. Will wait for more responses.
03-17-2010, 01:34 PM
Slartibartfast

Well.. No reason it cant be used. It does leave some deeper scratches though and I have heard some razors are prone to microchipping.

I have a dmt 600 i use sometimes , then move onto my naniwa 1k.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarryAndro

I use the Naniwa Superstone 1K and am happy with it. But, like you StuBear, I can't think of a reason why the DMT 1200 couldn't be used. But, the silence (I think) on its use might imply there is a reason not to use. Will wait for more responses.
03-17-2010, 01:35 PM
JimmyHAD

I have used it on some extra tough stainless or for initial removal of chips. It can be more abrasive than I like for regular bevel setting on razors and I would go to a Naniwa 1k or Shapton pro 2k once I had achieved the results I was looking for with the 1200 DMT.
03-17-2010, 01:38 PM
LarryAndro

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slartibartfast

[The DMT 1200] does leave some deeper scratches though and I have heard some razors are prone to microchipping.

I understand microchipping being a possible negative. But, any scratches left by the 1200 should have long ago disappeared by the 12K I would think. But, the proof is in the pudding... the microscope would tell the tale.
03-17-2010, 01:42 PM
LarryAndro

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

It can be more abrasive than I like for regular bevel setting...

JimmyHAD, if you went from the DMT 1200 to the next grit, say 3K and continued your sequence, what would happen? Do you believe that the scratches left by the diamond in the DMT 1200 would still be evident after the 12K?
03-17-2010, 02:58 PM
JimmyHAD

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarryAndro

JimmyHAD, if you went from the DMT 1200 to the next grit, say 3K and continued your sequence, what would happen? Do you believe that the scratches left by the diamond in the DMT 1200 would still be evident after the 12K?

I'm sure the scratches would be long since gone. OTOH, the micro chipping can be a problem depending on the blade .....IME. I bought my DMT 1200 before it came out that you shouldn't use it to lap waterstones. I have a set of Nortons at work so that I can hone when things are slow if I choose to.

I kept the 1200 there to lap my Norton 1k, 4k and 8k. In lapping the 4k I noticed a gray residue would be left on the white stone. This was the nickel plate being worn off of course. Luckily for me around that time Sham posted that he had ruined his 1200 using it to flatten waterstones so I ceased using it for that. Rather than being ruined mine was well broken in.

Point being, even with the wear suffered from the little bit of lapping I did with it the 1200 is still a very aggressive bevel setter and may cause micro chips on some edges. I always follow it with the naniwa or the shapton pro 1 or 2k whenever I use it. I'm not suggesting that has to be done. Others may have a different experience but that is mine.
03-17-2010, 06:27 PM
dylandog

The DMT 1200 sets bevels very quickly (and beautifully, in my experience) but it leaves deep scratches. I have never found these scratches much of a problem; my Belgian Blue takes them out in a hurry. But a recent thread suggests significant variation in BBWs and I may well have a very fast one.

Some people simply don't like the feel of honing on DMTs (a bit like nails on a blackboard) and I can understand this. I don't either but it does the trick.

The DMT 1200 was one of the most common bevel-setters on this forum until about a year or so ago. I think it was basically around the time the Naniwas were debuting and getting great press. I've never tried the Naniwa 1K but apparently it's also very fast like the DMT but leaves shallow scratches, and just "feels right" for razors in a way that the DMT doesn't. It doesn't hurt that Lynn loves the Naniwa series and sells them for a great price on his site.

Someone who used to use the DMT for bevels but has since moved on – and there seem to be many here that fit that description – would be best placed to answer your question. All I can say is that the DMT 1200 is for me an ugly, noisy, aggressive hone that nevertheless does the job and does it well.
03-17-2010, 06:33 PM
LarryAndro

Quote:

Originally Posted by dylandog

The DMT 1200 was one of the most common bevel-setters on this forum until about a year or so ago. I think it was basically around the time the Naniwas were debuting and getting great press. I've never tried the Naniwa 1K but apparently it's also very fast like the DMT but leaves shallow scratches, and just "feels right" for razors in a way that the DMT doesn't.

That bit of history is interesting!

I use the Naniwa Superstone 1K, and just ordered the DMT 1200. It will be interesting to compare.
03-17-2010, 06:51 PM
gssixgun

Try one drop of dish washing soap on the DMT it really does help with the "Fingernails on a Chalkboard" syndrome :)
I am not all that partial on using DMT's on razors but they do work, they are just a bit agressive...
03-17-2010, 08:36 PM
cotdt

A fresh DMT 1200 is great at setting bevels, but becomes too slow once the stone wears in. I use a worn-in DMT 600 for bevel setting (actually finer than fresh DMT 1200). A lot of people use 1k stones to set bevels which is fine for a few new razors but if you're honing a lot of razors you could save a lot of time by going coarser to set the bevel.

The Shaptons are also very fast-cutting and stay flat. It's an alternative.
03-17-2010, 08:52 PM
gary haywood

I often switch to dmt1200 then i will go straight to the coticule . I actualy quite like the dmt's so much i just ordred a duo 325/600. They do need a little breaking in before use and yes the washing up liquid goes nicley with water.
03-17-2010, 08:58 PM
hoglahoo

my dmt 1200 is good for removing much metal quickly, so I don't really use it to set bevels. However I'll sometimes use it for preparing a worn out, beat-up, or otherwise damaged razor to receive a bevel provided the razor offers plenty of steel to hone away
03-18-2010, 01:00 AM
Kingfish

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarryAndro

So, am curious on whether you have used the DMT 1200, and am especially interested whether anyone uses the DMT 1200 as their primary hone to set bevels.

Larry,
For most razors the DMT 1200 is an excellent flat and easy to use bevel setter. One thing that will make them more accurate and enjoyable is to clean them regularly after honing with Bar Keepers Freind and a potato scrub brush.Dry before putting away to prevent corrosion. Being so flat and completly hard you will feel the slightest debris on the surface and also swarf will clog it. I don' think you can go wrong with this hone I use mine all the time ad it is great for other stuff like kitchen knives.
Mike
03-18-2010, 01:57 AM
JoshEarl

Quote:

Originally Posted by cotdt

A fresh DMT 1200 is great at setting bevels, but becomes too slow once the stone wears in. I use a worn-in DMT 600 for bevel setting (actually finer than fresh DMT 1200). A lot of people use 1k stones to set bevels which is fine for a few new razors but if you're honing a lot of razors you could save a lot of time by going coarser to set the bevel.

This is pretty much what I do--600 grit for rough work on razors with chipped blades or to establish an edge on a new razor. My well-worn 1200 makes quick work of the nasty 600-grit scratches. A nice 4K-6K stone will make quick work of the 1200-grit scratches. I use a Belgian blue with a heavy slurry, which leaves a wonderfully uniform bevel.

I'm skeptical of the microchipping claims. When this happens, I suspect it's more a function of the steel than the hone. Just a hunch. :)

Josh
03-18-2010, 02:24 AM
hi_bud_gl

i have used .there is + 's and -'s to use dmt 1200 on straight razor
first +
1 fast cutter
very even edge
short time spend
now -s
1 biggest is scratches on the blade not on the bevel. if by accident you put a little pressure blade will have scratches and there is no way you could fix that.
you must broke in if not there is no way you can use any dmts on any straight razor.
Do i use it very rare.
hope this helps.
03-18-2010, 09:10 PM
Sticky

I use a 1200 to set bevels most of the time. On a stubborn wedge, I might start with 600, or even 325.
03-18-2010, 10:26 PM
Muirtach

I keep thinking about getting a Shapton 1k to match my 4-16k, but every time I sit down to hone on my 600/1200 duo-plate I quickly forget that. I have noticed that some razors need a super light touch with it at the final couple of passes occasionally, but otherwise nary an issue
03-19-2010, 11:04 AM
Disburden

I have been using the dmt 1200 for about a year now for bevels and it leaves very deep scratches. I don't really like that part of the hone but it really cuts fast! Thanks to this thread I just purchased a naniwa 1000k lol
03-19-2010, 10:07 PM
gary haywood

Quote:

Originally Posted by pcm81

I Love DMTs, they are great for flattening my real sharpening tools, the water stones. If you don't mind getting scratches which may be too deep to be removed by finer stones, there is nothing wrong with using DMTs.

I never had any problems with dmt 1200. I tryed the 1k naniwa i preferd my dmt1200. I guess it what i'm use to. I hope i get my 325/600 deliverd tomorrow. see how that goes on a wedge i'm honing , which needs bevel rebuilding.
03-19-2010, 10:27 PM
LarryAndro

I really appreciate all these responses. It seems that the DMT 1200 is used more than the chatter that I hear on SRP indicates. Better, the talk above gives me a good idea of the pros and cons.

As always, SRP rocks! In other words, as my Pennsylvania friends would say...

you'se guys rock!
03-19-2010, 11:45 PM
mainaman

I use mine occasionally , I have a small perforated one that I use exclusively for slurry in my nat stones
03-19-2010, 11:48 PM
mainaman

Quote:

Originally Posted by Disburden

I have been using the dmt 1200 for about a year now for bevels and it leaves very deep scratches. I don't really like that part of the hone but it really cuts fast! Thanks to this thread I just purchased a naniwa 1000k lol

Ok that sounds weird, 1.2k DMT does not scratch more than any other 1k stone, not the 4 other 1k stones I have had at least.
03-20-2010, 12:26 AM
Lynn

I find the DMT 1200 to be very aggressive to both spine and edge and as a result do not use it. It takes very little time on this stone before you start to see definite flattening on the spine. I do not find that with either Shapton or Naniwa 1K stones and they get the job done very well.

A nudder poisonal preference area. This would not be the stone of choice though for honing a new razor or one in nice shape.

Have fun,

Lynn
03-20-2010, 01:14 AM
LarryAndro

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynn

This would not be the stone of choice though for honing a new razor or one in nice shape.

I need some education now, Lynn. For, I would have expected you to say it would be the hone of choice for an old razor needing a lot of bevel correction. Why stone of choice for new and nice?