Norton Flattening Stone

Is there any reason not to use the Norton Flattening Stone?

Yea, they are messy, a Diamond plate is faster, last longer and does a better job of flattening and resurfacing a stone. It can also be used for other purposes.

For the same price you can buy a dual grit diamond plate.

Norton "flattening" stones are frequently not flat themselves, making them less than useful for razor honers who want their stones extremely flat. I found this out the hard way, and just use my Norton to kill wasps and occasionally as a doorstop. A diamond plate is a far better tool for the job.

Thanks. I only ask because I own one that I have never used. we used to use them to rub mortar snots off a new wall

I used mine for honing the edges of tile.

They are not as bad as some people have made them sound. Still, they are for flattening and not lapping really. They are very aggressive and will make short work of flattening a stone that is really bellied. Once it is flat.though you are.well advised to switch to a diamond plate or SIC on a tile or plate.