Woj's MST's

[BBSWANNABE]

Hola,
So I've been reading a lot on here about various MST varieties, but have read little about those offered by our good friend Wojtec. Any experiences with these hones out there? I was thinking about picking one up, as they seem like a great deal, but was wondering if these could be used similarly to a coticule, i.e. essentially changing techniques like slurry/no slurry and wet/dry as a one stone hone job. I figured I could use this one as a final polish after my slate and arkansas I've purchased from Woj.

Any thoughts?

[Pflaumesaft]

I just ordered one from ebay today. From what I can tell, it's from the same region as the Thuringen stones but the site indicated a small composition of pyrite. If so it may be a little more aggressive and perhaps fast cutting. I'm thinking of using it as a replacement for the 8000 before the 12k.

[edk442]

I belive Tony has said they are Hunsruek stones, which are similar to the thuringens in that they use garnets to cut, but they cut a bit quicker than the thuringens. the hunsrueks are prone to pyrite inclusions. Tony said he rejected half of his shipments due to this. they are in the 8000 grit range i believe

[Kees]

Small pyrite inclusions are no problem. The Muller Thuringers I sell on ebay do have them as well. I also have to send hones back. Quarries seem to just just saw a block to pieces box them and sell them without strict quality controls. The same with coticules. As these are all natural stones quality simply varies.

[murph]

At least they try to pick the best coticules out and sell them for a premium, although they often say there is not really any discernable difference between the quality ranges in use and you can never tell what is inside a block of stone.

[nickyspaghetti]

Ok, so its been a while since I've had internet access and I noticed wojtec selling these MST's.
I have a Norton, and a translucent arkansas, is there any benefit in me buying one of these? are they any finer at all?
If they are finer than the Norton I will buy one as I cannot shave straight from the 8k, but I would like to refine my edge a little more before stropping.
Thanks

[Kees]

Living in the U.K. you can even buy them from MST, they have more sizes available as well AFAIK.

[bjrn]

I think I've read that dealing with MST directly can be rather difficult and/or slow if you don't call them directly. You can also order them from toolshop.de, although you won't get the cardboard box, you'll get it wrapped in white paper. It has the same Muller's Water Grindstones "Reep away oil" label, and another label on top of that saying C. Jul. Herbertz (and some extra stuff).

[murph]

Yes, email seems a little slow from MST but phoning them is quick enough. The only problem is they don't speak English so you have to have at least a smattering of German and payment is via bank transfer so it can be expensive if you use a UK bank.

[BBSWANNABE]

Nick, to answer your question sortof, I believe the action of MY MST is much more of a polishing action than I've experienced from the Norton 8000. The price is pretty damn decent too. I haven't had my stone for long, but I've had good success using it, and most of the edges i've produced have been very keen. I did post in "A tale of two hones, that one edge I've produced seemed either too sharp, or perhaps needing a bit more work.

Bottom line is, either this stone or a good coticule should help smooth out your bevel a bit more. I don't have a coticule, but it seems to be the preferred polisher around here. (Either that or a bank breaking Escher)