Thread: Low Grit recommendations?

So, I've seen a lot of references to low grit stones to aid bevel resets on full restores (from 200 - 600 grit, generally)

I was wondering what stone you guys would suggest? I have a full range of naniwas, the 1k (fairly worn out... About 1/3 of the stone left... I'm an obsessive Lapper), and the 5, 8, and 12k (all of them with about 3/4-4/5 of the stone left)

Well, Considering how often I use greaseless, or a lot of time on regular wheels, I spend a decent amount of time trying to reestablish bevels (and only recently found an issue I was having with bevel setting... That's been corrected [Thanks, CarrieM!]). So, I'm doing pretty well with my bevel setting and whatnot, but I'd like a lower grit hone to help with the razors that take a trip to greaseless.

I've seen recommendations on both the Naniwa 400, and the Shapton 500, along with the DMT600... Anyone have advice on a specific one, and a reason for that one?

Thanks!
Jeremy

I have the Nani 220 and 400 but I also have the DMT325. If you really must go that low for bevel setting I would just stick with the DMT325. Not only does it work nice for chips but you can use it as a lapping plate. Glen also uses a DMT325 to do a couple figure 8's to help generate slurry.

Yeah, I forgot to mention that I have a 325 for lapping... I was just planning on keeping that solely for lapping (like I said, I'm a nutter)

I think it's just personal preference. They are all different, but they all work. I know that's not really helpful, though....

After using up an entire norton 220 in a single day I've never bought any more coarse waterstones. diamond plate 120, 400, 600, 1200 cover all the low end for kt

I feel like the diasharp 600 is pretty awesome. it is not too coarse, but most important it does not wash away like all other coarse grit stones. sure it will wear out but it'll stay flat while doing so.
you may also want to consider shapton pro 1k or bester after you run through that nawkneewah

My lowest stone that I use for setting bevels is a diamond plate 600 grit. I don't ever really go lower than that, and it works for me... but then again, I don't do 5-19 a day.

Once you find a stone that works well on your hands and what you feel comfortable with thats a hit then.
People here use widely Norton 1k, but i cannot say anything about it as i do not have one. I have several coarse synthetic stones (from 120) that i use mostly with tools, but personally i like my Sun Tiger 600 stone when setting bevels. Works ok with me. Cheap it was: it was about 20 € in a local tool store (about 4-5 years ago).

I really think anything under 1k or so, is in the realm of restoration not honing...

DMT 325 will do all that, and keep things straight, I would imagine a 600 would do just fine also, but have never used one, since I have the 325 for lapping anyway...

Just to qualify I do own a Norton 220, a Naniwa 400, and a Shapton 500, I very very very rarely ever use them, I only bought them because they were part of the set

I can take out a 1/8 in chip in an Hollow ground edge using a DMT 325, and reset the bevel on a Norton 1k in about 10 minutes, I just have never needed to go any faster than that... YET !!!! (Wedges take a bit more time)

Originally Posted by gssixgun

I can take out a 1/8 in chip in an Hollow ground edge using a DMT 325, and reset the bevel on a Norton 1k in about 10 minutes, I just have never needed to go any faster than that... YET !!!! (Wedges take a bit more time)

Just last night I honed out a chip using a DMT8XX, that's the 120 grit diamond plate! I followed up with a DMTC (325 grit), a 1k Norton, and then the 1k Naniwa. The 120 grit quickly removed the steel I wanted gone and then the 325 plate cleaned that up, and the Norton cleaned that up...

Originally Posted by gssixgun

I really think anything under 1k or so, is in the realm of restoration not honing...

+1 Agree . I have never used lower then 1k in Razor sharpening.
i think it is just too course for straight razors. Removes too much metal.
I know some people loves to use even 325.