Thread: What to get for Flattening - Granite + Sandpaper or DMTd8c

I'm trying to determine what I would like to get to flatten my stones: A certified Granite and use Wet/Dry paper or a DMTd8c. I will probably at some time get both but for now I just want to get what I would end up liking best for now. I have mostly synthetic (more shapton glass than any) in my progression. I know that this is probably more of preference but what are some of the pro's and con's of each.

Unless I end up doing a restore from a blade with a totally square bevel in the near future, I really don't need any slurry on my Norton 4/8 or chosera 1k at this moment.

Get the DMT,,,,,,,,,,,,

+1 on the DMT, I tried several other lapping stones/plates but went with what most people on here recommend and find it easy to use and fast

Sandpaper or Grit can and will embed into the softer waterstones, the first time you are at the 8k level and smack one and have to start over taking out the dinger will be the same time you smack yourself in the forehead and say "I could have bought a Diamond Plate"

Does anyone use anything finer than the d8c? I hear a lot of people using it, but is there a reason why that is the plate of choice ?

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Sandpaper or Grit can and will embed into the softer waterstones, the first time you are at the 8k level and smack one and have to start over taking out the dinger will be the same time you smack yourself in the forehead and say "I could have bought a Diamond Plate"

Thanks Glen, that makes a ton of sense

Is there any reason, even beyond honing razors, where flatness beyond the d8c would even be necessary?

I agree with the DMT. I started with a granite tile and sandpaper, but once I got the DMT I never regretted it. For how many times I have used it so far I would have paid alot more for the sandpaper if I would have kept going that route.

Well, I picked up the DMT Lapping Plate instead of the D8C. The lapping plate is certified to be flat to a tighter tolerance, but I haven't heard of many D8Cs being to bad. I do think I will pick up a D8C for touch up flattening cause the Lapping Plate is too damn heavy. I don't think the extra bit of flatness makes a difference.

Don't overlook the ATOMA 400 diamond plate. It's a fast lapper...........