Thread: Diamond hone/extra fine hone

So i just got my DMT 1200 grit hone, and i got it for my knifes, but i was wondering if i could use it for a razor. another thing is does any one know where i can get a stone that is above 8000, and is it nessary/effective to have such a high grit hone

I've used the 1200 to set bevels on tough stainless such as S-30V or ATS-34 but now stick with my Chosera 1k for bevels. Make sure to 'break in' the plate with a plane or chisel blade if you have one. I don't so I used the shank of a heavy 12" screwdriver. Apply water and a couple of drops of dish soap and give the plate a 'going over' with some pressure. Knocks down any divots. Make sure to hit the edges too.

I find my Norton 4/8 essential for razors following bevel setting.

so you think that anything over 8k is over kill?

Originally Posted by Themagicturtle

so you think that anything over 8k is over kill?

Yes and no. Anything over 8k is just for comfort, but you should be able to get a good shave from a razor sharpened to 8k. Basically anything over 8k simply polishes the edge, the razor should already be shaving sharp by 8k. If it's not sharp enough by 8k, going to higher grit stones is a waste of time, i.e. make sure the razor can give a good shave off 8k before going any higher.

Edit: In response to the original question, the DMT 1200 is good for bevel setting given it's properly broken in as Jimmy mentioned.

I find the DMT1200 more aggressive than I like, even when broken in.

You should be able to shave comfortably off an 8k, but since you can do better, why wouldn't you? Even something cheap like a pasted strop should offer an improvement.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

I find the DMT1200 more aggressive than I like, even when broken in.

You should be able to shave comfortably off an 8k, but since you can do better, why wouldn't you? Even something cheap like a pasted strop should offer an improvement.

+1 to all of the above. I wasn't saying that going over 8k is 'overkill' at all. Only that going to at least 8k is highly recommended to get a straight razor shaving well. I personally usually go with an Escher following the 8k but when I was learning, and even now sometimes I test shave off of the 8k. If the shave isn't close and smooth at that level the razor needs more work before moving up to a higher grit finisher. IMHO.