Thread: 12k Shapton Pro or yellow Couticle

Originally Posted by Utopian

I would call the Swaty closer to 8-10K, but it looks like someone beat the hell out of yours judging from the pockmarks in it. Is the back side in the same condition? If not, then use the back side as the stone is homogenous and so identical front and back. On the other hand, if the back is in the same condition, then you might want to lap it before using it.

Depending on just how sharp and perfectionistic you want to go, that Swaty if reconditioned, could be the only finishing stone you need.

Well, I tend to be quite the anal-retentive sort, so perfection is pretty much the only answer

Believe it or not, there are no pockmarks on the stone. What you are looking at are discolorations on the stone surface. The stone surface is actually very smooth on both sides, but I suppose lapping it wouldn't be a bad idea.

If I were to lap the Swaty, what does common wisdom suggest for grit? The only other stones I have are the Norton 4k/8k combo. I also remember reading about someone using wet/dry sandpaper but can't find the thread and can't remember the grit they used.

Thanks!

Charles

Originally Posted by clehman67

Well, I tend to be quite the anal-retentive sort, so perfection is pretty much the only answer

Believe it or not, there are no pockmarks on the stone. What you are looking at are discolorations on the stone surface. The stone surface is actually very smooth on both sides, but I suppose lapping it wouldn't be a bad idea.

If I were to lap the Swaty, what does common wisdom suggest for grit? The only other stones I have are the Norton 4k/8k combo. I also remember reading about someone using wet/dry sandpaper but can't find the thread and can't remember the grit they used.

Thanks!

Charles

Here is a thread that may be helpful. Mine was a bear to lap with a DMT D8C 325.

Originally Posted by Russel Baldridge

There's no reason to buy a $200 coticule, the 6 inch ones are much more affordable, you really don't need anything more than 4x2 or 6x1.5.

That said, a good finishing stone on the cheap is the chinese 12k stone from woodcraft, just about the best value for the price: Natural Polishing Water Stone - Woodcraft.com

But if you can clean that swaty up it may be good enough, though there's no guarantee on it's grit rating, you may have to try it out to see whether it's worth using.

Hmm, 35 bucks...that looks like a winner there Do those chinese stones require slurry like the coticules?

Neither "require" a slurry, it just speeds up the honing process, but decreases the effective grit rating on the stone.

I like to form a slurry on the Chinese stone but also finish with just water, that way you cut through the lower grit scratches relatively quickly and polish the edge as well.

(or if you are feeling like experimenting try, just putting a microbevel on the edge with a high grit finishing stone; look under the honing section for the part where he describes adding tape to the spine: Care and Feeding of Zowada Razors)

The Chinese stone is nice, and works well, but be warned it's a slow cutter.

I was thinking about picking up the Norton flattening stone for my 4k/8k combo stone...would that work to lap the Swaty hone as well?

Originally Posted by clehman67

I was thinking about picking up the Norton flattening stone for my 4k/8k combo stone...would that work to lap the Swaty hone as well?

The Norton flattening stone is very coarse and rather soft. I would recommend the DMT D8C. It is 325 micron and will do double duty to lap any of your stones, remove chips from damaged blades and will last for years with no need to lap it. More $ but more bang for the buck.

Originally Posted by JimmyH-AD

The Norton flattening stone is very coarse and rather soft. I would recommend the DMT D8C. It is 325 micron and will do double duty to lap any of your stones, remove chips from damaged blades and will last for years with no need to lap it. More $ but more bang for the buck.

Sorry if I'm a bit slow on the uptake here, but I am not able to find any DMT hones labled D8C. I've looked on the Japan Woodworker website (wicked collection of hones on that site) but can't find any stating they are a D8C; is this an actual model name or a nickname for the hone?

This darn "hobby" is rapidly turning into an "addiction"

Thanks!

Charles

Originally Posted by clehman67

Sorry if I'm a bit slow on the uptake here, but I am not able to find any DMT hones labled D8C. I've looked on the Japan Woodworker website (wicked collection of hones on that site) but can't find any stating they are a D8C; is this an actual model name or a nickname for the hone?

This darn "hobby" is rapidly turning into an "addiction"

Thanks!

Charles

Here they are. You'll be lucky if you get away with just RAD, HAD is arguably worse. A holder is handy to have along with it.

Originally Posted by clehman67

I was thinking about picking up the Norton flattening stone for my 4k/8k combo stone...would that work to lap the Swaty hone as well?

No.
The norton flattening stone is very soft, and only suitable for norton waterstones.
If you'd use in on your swaty, you'd destroy the flatness of the norton flattening stone and round the swaty.

If you want to flatten anything but nortons, buy a DMT D8C. These will last forever if properly cared for.sssss

Originally Posted by Bruno

No.
The norton flattening stone is very soft, and only suitable for norton waterstones.
If you'd use in on your swaty, you'd destroy the flatness of the norton flattening stone and round the swaty.

If you want to flatten anything but nortons, buy a DMT D8C. These will last forever if properly cared for.sssss

I can attest to the dishing out of the norton. I haven't had it for more than a couple of weeks and the grooves are almost gone.