With three stones one can make three(actually 6) really
flat surfaces. So you could use three 1000 grit stones
to flatten each other. Then one of these three stones
can be used to sharpen and the other 2 to flatten
the intermediate and the final polishing stone.

When the three stones are not flat anymore, you just
repeat rubbing them together to get them flat again.
Should not take long.

Why bother if one can just buy a diamond plate?

-Diamond plates are not superflat as far as I know.

-The diamond particles do shed and break and are
so hard they are likely to embed in the waterstones

So if you got a 8000 or even finer stone and you use
a diamond plate to flatten it, there is a (big?)chance
some particles of the plate will contaminate it and this
will effect the result.

-Diamonds are not forever. The plate can/will lose its
flattnes after some time.

###

Diamond pros:

-fast
-easy
-les messy

###

I am considering buying a diamond flattening plate. The atoma 400
seems a good choice. I also need a 1000 stone. I could just buy
3 1000 grit stones and(see above) not need the diamond flattening
plate.

I know, some are thinking ''interesting, why don't you try it''. I aint
rich man Maybe some here have experience with the three stone
technique. Also since there are many sharpening/hone addicts,
perfectionists I thought it would be a good idea to ask.

Thanks.

Sharpman