DMT 8x3 or 6x2

[gugi]

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.

[Bruce]

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.

[Philadelph]

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.

[Sticky]

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.

[heavydutysg135]

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.

[Quick Orange]

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.

[Howard]

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.