Printable View
Hi Guys,
I'm thinking of picking up a 1.2k DMT, to try it out and see how it works for bevel setting, perhaps honing out small chips. I'm if wondering you all prefer the 8x3 version, as there's slightly cheaper 6x2 one.
The 8x3 size of the nortons seems unnecessarily large to me, but perhaps it's just because it really is a polishing hone.
I thought I'd solicit some opinions.
I dunno if size matters. I have the larger DMTs which I use mostly for lapping other hones. I've tried the DMT 1.2K for bevel setting and don't like the sound of the steel on steel, so have relegated nasty bevel work to a coarse Norton hone.
YMMV, I know mine does.
I don't have the 1.2k, but have the 325. I own the 8x3 size specifically and maybe only because I use it for lapping my other hones. If I were to get a finer grit only for use with razors? The cheaper 6x2 would probably be fine for me.
For lapping I have and prefer the D8C 325. For sharpening razors (and knives) I prefer the D6E 1.2k at 2" x 6". I would get the smaller one for sharpening even if it was the same price. I like it's size/weight convenience.
I think it's big enough to do the job and it fits nicely into my tool roll with the barber hones.
I have both and definately much preffer the bigger 8X3. The width is not necessary for me but the extra length makes the job go a lot faster.
I have the 8x3 1.2k and I like it a lot. I used it to eat out some significant nicks from a razor and it did it fairly quick.
Thanks for the responses guys.
I've been meaning to start a new thread on hone lengths, just need to make a couple of pictures for illustration.
I have both sizes in the 1200-grit range, and if I didn't do a lot of honing I think I would use the 6x2" size more. I do use my 6x2" DMT 600-grit hone a lot, and as much as I want to upgrade it to the 8" version I haven't been able to justify it yet. :)
The hone cuts fast enough that a smaller size wouldn't take more than a few extra minutes to use, and the 6x2 is about the same size as my Belgian set. :)
Josh
P.S. You know you're a honing nerd when you carry a credit-card sized DMT in your wallet...
Fantastic idea, now, how do I cut 6x2 in 2 pieces?Quote:
Originally Posted by JoshEarl
(CC is about 3.3"x2.1" and I wouldn't mind if there's a little space around the hone)
:roflmao
No need to cut one up. DMT makes a wallet sized version already. :tuDMT's are so good they can read your mind (maybe)!
Yep, I have the wallet-sized one. I'm just waiting for me to forget about it and get weird looks in a security line somewhere... :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Sticky
Josh
Call me nuts, but what are you going to use a hone that size on? I never just have to hone something so bad that I would whip it out of my wallet:roflmao
:HJ
I actually carry a 4 inch Machinist DMT fine in my back left pocket all the time (for over 20 years; it's also in my avatar). Comes in real handy whenever a knife needs touched-up.
It's easy to sharpen a knife on even a 3 inch hone.
Yeah, I use it on my Spyderco Native EDC to keep it in fighting trim. I even used it on a 9-inch chef's knife the other day just for the heck of it. Mainly I want to keep practicing my freehand knife sharpening skills. :)
Josh
One great thing about the 8x3 is that it fits perfectly in the hone stand that comes with the Norton. It's like they are a full set.
The reason I like big stones is they eliminate one more variable from the precision honing process. Big stones sit on the bench and don't move around. My favorite blue beligan is 10"x4" and that's a great bench stone. I like the smaller stones like the 6" ones or the 4" ones for when I'm moving the stone against a blade I'm holding stationary. I keep all the sizes around as I like to keep stuff sharp.
A few weeks ago I picked up some 6x2 DMTs that are double sided, continuous diamond. One has coarse and extra coarse, another has fine and extra fine. There's also a fine/xtra coarse and a fine/coarse but I haven't played with them yet. These stones are very handy as I don't have to hunt down stones; just flip them over.