Thread: Need Coarse DMT Recommendation

I have the DMT Fine, Extra-Fine, and Extra-Extra-Fine 3"x8" plates, and (I'd like to think) I've learned how to use them. Still, sometimes the 600-grit Fine just isn't coarse enough to do the job, so I've decided to purchase either the 325-grit Coarse, or the 220-grit Extra-Coarse.

Since I don't own any hones (OK, I've got a Spyderco UF in 3"x8") which require lapping, I wonder if the 220-grit Extra-Coarse is what I need for fast bevel-setting. I'm more inclined to think I should buy the 325-grit Coarse plate, but if I knew, I wouldn't be posting here, eh?

Suggestions? Advice? Wisdom? TIA!

I have the 325 grit and thats easily enough to do fast bevel setting work on a razor.

To be honest, I only really use the 325 for edge repairs or if I'm setting the bevel on a heavy wedge thats totally dull. Other than that I'll tend to stick to the 1k stone.

My thinking with honing razors has always been to start with a higher grit and only move down the grits if you need to.

a dmt should be more than enough for bevel setting.

A dmt 325 is good for lapping and heavy duty "restoration honing", see glens article on the wiki on honing an ebay special.

the 220 dmt is good for lapping just about anything, but I dont know about using it on a razor.

Hi,

+ 1 on the 8" 325 DMT Continuous; a fine hone

Have fun !

regards

Russ

I've rarely used the C-325 for razors. I have used the 600 a bit and unless I was removing a frown or a large chip I wouldn't go to a coarser diamond plate.

Thanks for the recommendations! I just "pulled the trigger" on a DMT 325-grit "Coarse" hone, from Craftsman Studio.

A word of caution on using the 325 DMT, I fried my hand in an effort to quickly set a new bevel on a razor, and not a wedge either. Those vibrations really do a number on the sensory neurons. Of course, with a wedge it may be different...

First, a disclaimer: I know bupkis about hones & honing, other than my own recent foray into the this area. Having said that, I recently bought a DMT 325 as a lapping plate for my 5k, 8k, & 12k Naniwas, and have been very happy with its performance in that area. I have also started working on an ERN 4820 that has a slight frown and a small chip in the middle of the blade. Since I don't own a 1k yet, I decided to use the 325 to work out these problems. It's my first attempt at trying to repair an edge, so I've been taking it slow, but I seem to be getting good results thus far.

I hope you enjoy your new 325!

Cheers,

Larry

Larry, in case you hadn't read it ..... DMT recommends a drop or two of dish soap in the water on the plate when honing steel. Smooths out the stroke nicely IME.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Larry, in case you hadn't read it ..... DMT recommends a drop or two of dish soap in the water on the plate when honing steel. Smooths out the stroke nicely IME.

Thanks for the great tip, Jimmy! I'll put it to the test this weekend.

Larry