Thread: can't get it to work

Hi, i recently bought a 4k/8k norton and a DMT extra coarse to flatten with and I can't manage to get my stone flat enough. I've done 8's, straight back and fourth, circles and side to side combinations and it still seems to be concave or convex everytime.

If you run the DMT a long way off the edge on back & forth strokes it is easy to create convexity. Keep your lapping strokes short & see if that helps.

i've kept my passes very small since the DMT is just about the same size as the Norton. sometimes it seems to hone fine then when I use it again they seem to just round off my edge i've been working on

Is the rounding of the edge your basis for determining the stone isn't flat? If so it probably isn't a flatness issue with the stone.

edit: I saw in your other post that you live in Minnesota. What part of the state are you in? There are several MN members here that can help you with your honing.

north central, well yes I hone just like i've read and seen. and my honing on an old smaller stone i have worked so i think my 4k/8k has a hill or a dip in it. and i try the grid method on the stone when i lap it and it wears that all off. I just don't know lol. think it could be spine wear or something too that is a little uneven on the heel compared to the toe

ok do the grid on your stone and use lite pressure do about 10 strokes if the grid is gone the stone is fine look to the razor most likely you have spine issues

the heel of the spine is barely worn compared to the rest of it. it's really weird cause with these stones i've had it good and sharp a few times but can't get any consistency with it.

If you've had a good edge & it doesn't hold there can be a number of variables from the steel itself to your honing & stropping skills. The problems related to your own skill, you will eventually sort but if the razor is at fault you may need to try others.

i'm almost certain it has to do with the spine or more certainly the hone cause it can cut some hair on my arm then run a few passes on the stone and it can't cut anything

Is your waterstone saturated with water while you are lapping it? Does the stone surface feel gritty in some places?