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So next pay day I'm planning on ordering a finishing stone, either a naniwa 12k or a shapton 16k (not sure which yet, might just flip a coin) both are great stones from what I hear. My big question is for laping would the norton lapping stone I got with my set be good enough or should I upgrade to a dmt or something like that? If so is it the 325 I should consider?
The norton stone doesn't tolerate shaptons, it is for softer clay matrix stones.
Get a DMT or some other flat diamond plate. 325 is a good compromise for one that works well on 1000 and on the finer waterstones, too.
You can often find the duosharp W8CF... (8 inches, coarse and fine (325/600)) for a good price if you google around.
imo the dmt325 is the best lapping stone out there but use what you have! I didn't like the edges on my shapston 16k so I sold it a year ago, I think the naniwa 12 is better when mixing stone brands. Imo the shaptons work best when you use only shaptons and don't mix.
You will probably need to lap your finishing hone very rarely so I would use coarse sandpaper (320 grit)for the initial lapping and finish with 1000 grit or finer. Use water and light pressure to avoid embedding grit into your hone. A DMT or other diamond hone is very nice to have but be sure you have a need to justify the cost. I have been doing this for the last 7 years and bought my first DMT last December as a Xmas gift to myself. Sandpaper has served me well.
yes i agree with disburden the 16k is harsh but it excels in setting up a natural finisher but for you i would go with a naniwa 12k.Quote:
Originally Posted by Disburden
The DMT 325 is by far the most used stone I own :) From fixing errant heels and shoulders to Breadknifing and fixing very bad edges, and finally as my goto Lapping stone and slurry making stone...
I find that 5 or so figure 8's on every single stone before I start every single razor means, I never have to lap again, and I have a fresh clean surface to hone on, every single time, and a light slurry if I choose to use it...
I would be lost without my DMT 325 :)
As to the Shapton vs Naniwa I agree that the Naniwa is marginally more versatile..