Thread: Setting a bevel on a DMT

I got my first set of real hones in today. I went with a DMT 600/1200 and a Norton 4k/8k. I understand the DMT's are fast cutters. Should I approach them the same as any other hone? Meaning 10 X's or circles and then to a TNT or should I be more conservative?

I personally wouldn't go that course to set a bevel unless there's some major damage to the edge. You'd probably be fine starting on the 1200

yes +1 on the starting on the 1200 have a super lite touch

how about using the Tan EE (Extra Extra Fine 8000 grit) DMT for setting bevels? Seems it would still be fast like diamond but result in an edge perfectly ready to just smooth up using a norton 8k or even going straight from bevel to a finishing stone 12k naniwa? Wondering if it would subvert the need for 220/1k and 4k inbetween?

Imagining even a t8k diamond would be faster setting a bevel then the whole process of 1k, 4k, 8k. No soaking, no mess, no lapping.

I use a DMT 1200 to start the bevel process x strokes only light touch, then i usually move to a norton 1k, dmt's are fast cutters and sometimes the scratch pattern they leave is more work to get rid of later in the progression process. But for a damaged edge they are great!!

Originally Posted by Martin103

I use a DMT 1200 to start the bevel process x strokes only light touch, then i usually move to a norton 1k, dmt's are fast cutters and sometimes the scratch pattern they leave is more work to get rid of later in the progression process. But for a damaged edge they are great!!

have you tried their 8k plate? has anyone here? by 8k it doesn't seem that it could leave too much to clean up on a finishing stone, especially a natural. i have the 3 welch slate stones coming. would love to get rid of my nortons and naniwa finisher and just get one 8k diamond for bevels and touchups before the finishers. i hate soaking stones and the mess that lapping leaves and from what everyone says diamond cuts fast, meaning maybe an 8k would make it reasonable for bevels too without leaving so much to clean up.

I suggest you only use DMT's on razors that are old or chipped. As already suggested they cut deeply... even the 8k.

Originally Posted by groovyd

have you tried their 8k plate? has anyone here? by 8k it doesn't seem that it could leave too much to clean up on a finishing stone, especially a natural. i have the 3 welch slate stones coming. would love to get rid of my nortons and naniwa finisher and just get one 8k diamond for bevels and touchups before the finishers. i hate soaking stones and the mess that lapping leaves and from what everyone says diamond cuts fast, meaning maybe an 8k would make it reasonable for bevels too without leaving so much to clean up.

Never tried the 8k plate, i have 325 600 1200 8x3 plates to sharpen my woodworking tools and some razors bevel like i said i only use the dmt 1200 to start the bevel process especially on damaged edge then switch to norton 1k etc.

Piece of advice, break it in before taking one of your razors to it. Sharpening a cheap kitchen knife should do the trick.

The 600 is definitely out of play. That was mostly for my kitchen and field knives. I have a few e-bay specials I'm playing around with, and I bought the DMT to do some heavy lifting. So the consensus here is light-no pressure X strokes, using as few as needed?

@Obiwan- I've been meaning to ask, what do you hone with? I've tried a few razors since receiving the one you sent and your edge is buttery smooth in comparison.