How to prepare a new DMT 325 and what else is it good for?

After searching through several old threads, I thought I might ask for a little clarification/help. I've ordered a new DMT 325 from SRD. Past threads suggested that first one should use the shank of an old screwdriver, or a kitchen knife, or a chisel blade--another piece of steel and rub it. I wondering exactly how one should do this ( like stroke, direction, hard/soft pressure) and how to know if you've done it enough and if you've done it right. Some threads seem to suggest it has something to do with high diamonds, but the thought of dislodging diamonds on a new stone is a bit scary. I'm don't want to ruin the thing. So why/how?

On another note, besides lapping (which is why I'm getting it), can one use the 325 for any other kind of sharpening or is that a bad idea?

Thanks much in advance,

John aka oldsCool

If just using it for lapping I'd go over it with moderate pressure with one of the steel implements mentioned in your post. Water and a couple of drops of dish soap are what I use for a lubricant. Make sure to get the edges of the honing surface. Chances are there are no high spot stragglers but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

If all I was uisng it for is lapping, as with my DMT XX 120, I don't worry too much about it. The stones will 'break it in' soon enough. It is good for kitchen and other knives as well. I don't sharpen tools but it may be appropriate for some stage of the tool sharpening process.

Sharpening a cheap knife should do the trick.

I use my dmt 325 for lapping stones, setting bevels on chipped/ beat up razors or Gold Dollars and as my main bevel setter for knives. On cheap knives it's often all I use, dmt then a quick strop.

I have been using DMTs for a long time now and have studied them thoroughly.

Please, for the love of all good tools, do not do anything to the DMT that involves any more pressure than you would use to set a bevel on a fine kitchen knife! In fact I would suggest using your brand new hone to sharpen a decent tool like a kitchen or pocket knife. Any irregularities it may have will be small enough that the same hone will correct any damage it caused in a few strokes.

Do not lap it with other diamond hones!

Many people make the mistake of thinking diamonds are so hard that you can really lay down the pressure and go to work. Not only is this a horrible method for sharpening, it often results in removal of the diamonds. They may be hard, but the stuff that holds em on is not as tough as superman's cape;)

DMTs are fine tools that will last a lifetime or more if used properly. I have very high respect for their offerings!

I'm of the opinion that you don't have to break these in at all. I have only used one new one, and it worked just as well as a used one that I tried.

So I think they are ready to use right out of the box.

I use mine for cleaning hones, and also for sharpening knives. It makes a burr on a knife very quickly, then I follow with Arkansas stones. I use the stone dry with knives.

I have yet to use the D8C on a razor, but I imagine it would remove a ton of steel from a razor in a very short time. Not for the faint of heart!

I'm looking to get some more diamond plates, in a few different mesh sizes. I've been really happy with the 325.

Michael

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mjsorkin

I'm of the opinion that you don't have to break these in at all. I have only used one new one, and it worked just as well as a used one that I tried.

So I think they are ready to use right out of the box.

I use mine for cleaning hones, and also for sharpening knives. It makes a burr on a knife very quickly, then I follow with Arkansas stones. I use the stone dry with knives.

Michael

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This is true in theory, but occasionally one will have a pimple and in a few cases I've seen some with bald patches. These special (and rare) cases are why I recommend using a decent knife as a break in job.

On a decent knife, you will have predictable results...and if you get results outside your expectations, you will KNOW it and recognize why hopefully.

Pimples usually get knocked loose on a pass or two. Bald patches are basis for a call to DMT (which has fantastic customer service).

I take it out of the box, just got my second 325, and do a normal lapping of a low grit Carborundum. Then use some Simple Green to remove any oil left by the Carborundum.

I now use my first 325 for lapping my none razor hones & the other new 325 for my razor hones.