Thread: Lapping changes Norton 1k feedback and cutting?

As I'm getting to know my Norton 1k a bit better, I've started to notice some interesting little things about it. Most notably, when the hone has been freshly lapped (with a DMT325 that actually feels quite a bit smoother than I remembered but still does it's job), the Norton feels quite smooth when I hone, and it doesn't seem to cut as quickly as it should. Then, after I've set the bevels on two or three razors, the feedback and cut rate pick up noticeably and remain at the increased levels.

Is anyone else having similar experiences on a Norton 1k (or any other hones).

To address some questions that might come up:
I don't soak my Norton. Instead I spray it down for a few minutes until water will stand on the surface. I then let it sit, adding more water, for a few minutes.
I lap under running water.
Like I said, my DMT325 is smoother than when new, but still laps well.

I soak my 1k norton until all the air bubbles disappear.
Freshly lapped it is smooth but abrasive. With use it becomes a bit smoother but seemingly less abrasive. That is why I sometimes lap in between when setting a bevel.

I leave my 1k and 4k Norton (single grits) in water all the time so soaking isn't an issue. If you're using single grits Norton says the 8k doesn't need soaking. OTOH, when I didn't leave them in water, and they say to soak for fifteen minutes before use, then they were soaked for fifteen minutes. I'm lapping and honing in front of the kitchen sink so I have my lapping plate sitting in the stone holder in the sink throughout the session. If I need to refresh the hone to remove swarf I just turn on the tap and do a few strokes.

I have the containers for the 1k & 4k in the sink as well filled with water so that as soon as I'm done with the 1 or the 4 they go back in their containers of water and never have a chance to dry out on me. I have a thing about getting rid of swarf as I hone so my stones are hitting the lapping plate often and stay flat. I feel like they do cut more efficiently clean and flat.

Wanna see a N1K really cut???
Say you need to set the bevel on an FR razor lap the stone with yer DMT and leave the slurry on there... Just thin it out with your spray bottle as you go but try the first 20 circles (IIRC you are using Lynn Circle System) with that slurry...

I recall Jimmy's observation of brief pre-soak leading to easier lapping. Sounds like a similar situation. Once the hone is well soaked -by the time you get to the second or third bevel set- the hone is releasing grit as it should.

Hm, I'll give the soaking a try. Thanks for the suggestions there.

Very funny, G... I have played with slurry on her in the past, but I prefer not to. Maybe I'l try slurry for just the first razor, to see if that speeds up the process of getting back to nice and abrasive.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

Norton feels quite smooth when I hone, and it doesn't seem to cut as quickly as it should. Then, after I've set the bevels on two or three razors, the feedback and cut rate pick up noticeably and remain at the increased levels.

This is quite opposite what should happen .
The only way this could happen is your are using way way too much pressure while you hone the blade.