Thread: Honing and lapping stones

Ok, so as of right now all I own is a Norton 4k/8k. I've picked up some razors and tried setting a bevel with the 4k, but some of these razors need work. I'd like to add a 1k stone to my collection to reduce the time and effort to set the proper bevel.

In addition, I need something to lap my 4/8k. 320 Sandpaper does the trick just fine, but I worry that I might be embedding grit into the Norton. I like it though cuz it's cheap. But it takes time to lap and is quite messy on my kitchen counter top

Anyway, I'm looking for recommendations. Someone recommended this CKTG combo plate. The price is right, but I don't think I can set a bevel with the 1K side CKTG Combination Diamond Plate 400/1,000. Does anyone have thoughts about setting a bevel with this plate?

Ideally, I'd like to get something that I can set a bevel with fast AND use it to lap my Norton 4k/8k. Thanks for your suggestions.

Jeff

Just saw a video in the library by David Polan. He recommends a DMT 1200 grit for setting a bevel quick. Would it be effective as well for lapping my Norton 4/8? Would it be much faster than my Norton 4K side for bevel set?

Originally Posted by relli1130

Just saw a video in the library by David Polan. He recommends a DMT 1200 grit for setting a bevel quick. Would it be effective as well for lapping my Norton 4/8? Would it be much faster than my Norton 4K side for bevel set?

Personally I'd get a separate plate and hone. 1k hones are pretty cheap, I find the Norton 1k to be really effective

I too recommend a plate for lapping and cleaning your stones and a 1K for bevel setting. If you cannot afford both at the same time then I would get the 1K and continue lapping and cleaning on paper. I have the Norton 1K and it is a good stone, I also have the Chosera 1K and it is also a good stone and a fare bit faster than the Norton. The plate you linked would be great in a holder for lapping and cleaning hones. Diamond hone are very aggressive and are accused of causing chipping on the high grit hones and many do not recommend them for bevel setting. Following with their advice I bevel set on the 1K always.

Thank you. I would love to get a chosera or a Norton but both are pricey. Many have said there are less expensive 1k options. Are any recommended?

Many enjoy the king. My thought train on buying stuff is to buy it only once. I tend to save and wait and get the best item I can for any given job. The very cheapest way is to take 1K wet dry and tape it onto a tile or even your 4K and use it to start your bevel before finishing your bevel on your 4K.

The CNTG 400/1k plate is just fine for lapping and will last as long and provide as fine a finish as a DMT, and you can finish lap a high grit stone like your 8k with the 1k side.

While you can set a bevel with a 1k diamond plate, I do not recommend doing so to novice honers.

Typically new honers are in a hurry, use way too much pressure and spend way too much time on the 1k. That combined with the aggressive grit of a diamond plate will often cause more problems later, with deep stria on the bevel that can lead to chipping in the higher grits. You will then have to completely re-set the bevel at the 4k and remove even more of the edge, and if you do not use tape on the spine, you will needlessly grind the spine and potentially cause bevel angle problems.

If money is an issue, buy a King 1k, about $20. They will work just fine for all you bevel setting needs. Nortons and Naniwas are also fine stones for a bit more money. All 3 will deliver the same 1k edge, they each just feel different when honing.

Originally Posted by Euclid440

The CNTG 400/1k plate is just fine for lapping and will last as long and provide as fine a finish as a DMT, and you can finish lap a high grit stone like your 8k with the 1k side.

While you can set a bevel with a 1k diamond plate, I do not recommend doing so to novice honers.

Typically new honers are in a hurry, use way too much pressure and spend way too much time on the 1k. That combined with the aggressive grit of a diamond plate will often cause more problems later, with deep stria on the bevel that can lead to chipping in the higher grits. You will then have to completely re-set the bevel at the 4k and remove even more of the edge, and if you do not use tape on the spine, you will needlessly grind the spine and potentially cause bevel angle problems.

If money is an issue, buy a King 1k, about $20. They will work just fine for all you bevel setting needs. Nortons and Naniwas are also fine stones for a bit more money. All 3 will deliver the same 1k edge, they each just feel different when honing.

The king is not a 3" wide stone though correct? This is the one that I've seen recommended here:

Robot Check

There are 3" wide king 1k stones. The smaller one works fine though. Also I use a diamond plate to initially set the bevel if it's far away from being set and then go to my 1k to smooth things out before proceeding. At $20 for a king you can't go wrong...

Yea, that one is 7X2, but for a few bucks more you can get the 8X2.75in stone without the base.

Either one will work, larger is better, when learning.