Thread: DMT for straigth razors

can I use DMT stones to hone straigth razors?, I've seen in other websites that there are two stones one in the 1200 grit and another extra extra fine in the 8000 grit.

It can be done but you might want to smooth out the edge with a paste after to take out the harshness. Try it first to see, you might like it. Everyone is different.

I use the extra fine to set bevels. I don't want to go coarser than that on a razor, and I find the extra extra fine is of limited value, so I switch to waterstones after setting the bevel.

I wouldn't.

What I know about razors you could carve on the back of an aspirin with an axe, but I do know knives and sharpening stones.

Diamond stones are extremely aggressive and will remove a huge amount of metal if you aren't careful.

Maybe 2 or 3 passes to set a bevel but no more.

Diamond stones have their place, but that place is nowhere near a carbon steel blade. They are good for some of the harder stainless steels.

Many do use the DMT XF (1200) for bevel setting. It's mentioned in our WIKI I'm sure.
Me, I choose not to use it on razors. I do however, use it on knives, especially those hard stainless steel types. For razors, I prefer a Norton or Naniwa 1k. I like the bevel better.

The DMT 1200 is fine for bevels, I've used it many times before (The interrupted model) since I enjoy the size of the plate. Also the DMT 325 is great for stone flattening.

I've used the 1200 for setting bevels with a follow up to a 1 or 2k waterstone to smooth things out as others have noted. Also as others have noted, I've used the 1200 and 8000 for tougher stainless such as ATS-34 and S30V. I haven't needed it on 440C. I always follow with waterstones after the diamond when I have used it on razors.

The 325 is great for flattening and the XX 120 is also very good. Since I have both if I get a tough job I begin with the XX and finish with the 325. The 600 and the 325 are also good for removing larger chips. Tape on the spine and circles.

so, you wouldn't go from a DMT XC to a finishing stone like the spyderco UF, or a 8k water, would you?

would you need something inbetween?