Thread: "Suction" on the stone?

Well, I *am* getting some suction on the 4k (a surprising amount to me, but then again, there's not THAT much of a smile), but it's not completely smooth yet on the thumbnail. I've lightened up so I don't overhone it while I finish smoothing it out on the thumbnail test...

Just looked at the bevel with the 'scope.... there's pits and such IN the bevel (not at the edge)... that means oxidized steel, right?

Most likely, yes.

Well, that's what the 1k is for.....

Yup, and think of starting all over again as good experience. I would consider doing 20 strokes on 4K too (with a little pressure) and checking the scope again. After all you shouldn't be in any hurry.

Yeah, it took a surprising number (around 60) strokes on the 1k to clean it up...I guess it was pretty punky.

Maybe that was contributing a bit to the difficulties I was having getting a decent edge...

Yea, that would be it. Just be careful if you jump to 1K. Thats a big league hone. You'll be removing metal like gangbusters.

Is achieving suction hone dependent? I regularly experience it on a coticule, but I haven't yet felt it on the Norton, thuringen or Chinese 12K.

Probably not coincidentally, my best edges seem to have been straight off the coticule.

I was DEFINITELY using a light touch on the 1k!!

I've got a good, smooth, even draw on the thumbnail test...on to the 8k!

Not really, although I find a Chinese 12K does have issues with suction. I suppose there is probably a relationhship between skill, speed, and suction.

I think you should be able to obtain suction on any 3 inch wide stone, but having not tried them all I don't know for sure. The garnet shape and spacing probably effects how long it takes to get suction.