Thread: How often to lap a hone

All I do is a few circles and ovals before each time I hone. I picked that up from Glen (gssixgun).

I basically lap mine or clean them after each use. It only takes a few seconds and then I am ready for a quick soaking and use the next time.

Have fun,

Lynn

Originally Posted by wmac

All I do is a few circles and ovals before each time I hone. I picked that up from Glen (gssixgun).

+1. I do the same with all of my stones, except my PHIG.

I used to lap the Naniwas lightly when I used them.
Like stated above, just a few light circles with a 325 Grit DMT, just before honing.

On the superstones I like to spray a splash of water on the stone and let it sit for a few minutes before lapping. Same with the Shapton pros. I would for sure lap it when I first received it.

Thanks for all the quick responses, I had another questions I did not get a lapping plate so I am guessing I will have to use a new sheet of sandpaper each time i need to lap?

Originally Posted by swimlikehell

Thanks for all the quick responses, I had another questions I did not get a lapping plate so I am guessing I will have to use a new sheet of sandpaper each time i need to lap?

Yes that is the ticket. Here is a tutorial Josh Earl did on it awhile back.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...ing-101-a.html

Originally Posted by wmac

All I do is a few circles and ovals before each time I hone. I picked that up from Glen (gssixgun).

Yep, preventative maintenance is always the best. Just make sure the stone is dead flat in the first place and that's all you'll ever need to do for the life of the stone.

I learnt this with plane and chisel blades, flattening after many uses takes a very, very long time; even on the softest of stones like the king and lobster brands!

If you've had a long session like a bevel regrind, i'd suggest having a good flattening session after that, otherwise it should be fine to do it before each hone