Thread: DMT plate question

I have a 1200-grit DMT plate that I want to use to "set bevels" on a couple ebay razors with miserable edges. I've cleaned the plate with soap and water, but it still seems like it has some oily film on its surface because water beads up in little puddles on it. Is this normal? If not, any suggestions on removing the film?

I've learned to watch the movement of the water along in front of the razor on other hones, which tells me where the edge is making good contact, but that's not possible with my DMT in its current state. Even in its current state, this DMT really removes metal quickly, but I'd be much happier with it if water would spread over its entire surface, rather than beading up in a few scattered puddles.

Thanks for your thoughts, gents.

Steve,

DMT recommends that you mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid in with the water you use to hone. I never thought about it before, but I'll bet this is why. It'll break the surface tension of the water.

I actually just use a spray bottle with an atomizer. I got a nice bottle at Bed, Bath & Beyond that holds about 8 oz. of water and fits in my little honing shoebox kit.

One trick that I use on the DMT is to let the toe of the razor lift ever so slightly during the X stroke. That way you're just making contact with the outer edge of the hone. Since the hone cuts so quickly, you can get a beautiful, even bevel this way in a very short amount of time.

Good luck,
Josh

Do you use a back and forth stroke or a X-pattern to get a bevel fixed on your DMT1200 Josh?

Mostly an X pattern with medium pressure. You don't want to float the razor over the hone, but don't grind it, either.

Once in a while I'll find a little spot on the toe or heel that is especially dull, and I'll do some back-and-forth honing on that one spot. Then back to some X's before moving up in grit.

Josh

Originally Posted by JoshEarl

you can get a beautiful, even bevel this way in a very short amount of time.

So *YOU* say!!!

Originally Posted by mnealtx

So *YOU* say!!!

Maybe I should add, "after a few hundred hours of practice."

Josh

Originally Posted by mnealtx

So *YOU* say!!!

I am perfectly willing to concur with Josh.

Originally Posted by JoshEarl

Maybe I should add, "after a few hundred hours of practice."

Josh

Or in my case, a few THOUSAND!!!

My DMT 1200 continous is quite sharp around the edges. Some coarse sandpaper perhaps needed?