what is the difference between "sharpening" the edge versus "polishing" it? what is happening to the metal when one uses an 8 k norton vs a 12 k "finisher" or a jnat or coticule?
thanks
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what is the difference between "sharpening" the edge versus "polishing" it? what is happening to the metal when one uses an 8 k norton vs a 12 k "finisher" or a jnat or coticule?
thanks
Im guessing you know what sharpening is. Polishing is the act of removing all the striations from the previous grit. Polishing will also sharpen, but the effect is really slow. These are both just terms used in this hobbie to describe concepts, they are not completely literal.
Yeah I agree, when it comes to what is happening to the steel, both actions remove metal. The difference as I understand it is the rate and how deep the scratches go plus polishing usually leaves a mirror finish, though not all the time.Quote:
Originally Posted by AFDavis11
polishing is the act of removing the scratches left by the previous grit.
You sharpen on your 1k stone, also know as setting the bevel, from there on you polish the bevel.
The big difference is how deep the scratch pattern is & how much metal you're removing. When bevel setting, you're establishing an edge; subsequent stones are cleaning said edge up & refining it. You're still removing metal, but nowhere near as much as in the early (1-4k) stages.
When you go higher, you're removing the scratches of a previous stone & replacing them w/ the (shallower & tighter) scratches of a finer stone. You're also (very slightly) continuing to thin the bevel out although 95+% of this occurs @ the 4k level & below. It's that last <5% or so that makes the real difference in smoothness/sharpness.
thanks I got it.Quote:
Originally Posted by mainaman
I think part of the problem is in the general sense sharpening refers to, well,... making the edge keener while polishing refers to a cosmetic condition of making it shiny. Of course for us it's a bit different and we use the terms to be similar just the degree of what is happening is different. So though we may polish an edge it may never really get shiny but the keenness increases and under a scope you will see the differences.
If bevel setting is the foundation of the edge, then final finishing is the apex, zenith or pinnacle of the edge.
MIke
For the win,!!! "Semantics" :p now where is my prize ?????Quote:
Originally Posted by RogueRazor
hey I'm a newbie man :))Quote:
Originally Posted by gssixgun
donīt get frustrated over these terms, they do get mixed up a lot these days.
Nobody actually cares for the definition of these two, so you will (have to) leanr to get the information from the context of the word
Your prize is the lovely company of this wonderful group of people. You lucky man!
Quote:
Originally Posted by gssixgun
The check is in the mail. :rofl2:Quote:
Originally Posted by gssixgun