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i was wondering which type of hones to buy? I currently have a combo paddle strop that I bought from Tony Miller. When the time does come to buy hones which should I invest in. I know that the norton 4k/8k is a popular fit, however I would prefer not to have to worry about flattening my hones. any thoughts gentleman.
almost forgot, currently shaving with 2 wapis that I bought from Mike Ratliff
That's the million-dollar question but all you're gonna get are two-cent replies, because there are a number of different honing paradigms that are all proven to work. The classic here is the Norton 4/8K + some sort of finisher (your Tony Miller strop will do). DMT 1200 + belgian blue and coticule is an almost equally popular setup. More recently people have really taken up the Shaptons and they're getting great reviews.
I like cutting a bevel on the DMT 1200 and then polishing it with natural stones. That's my two cents.
do you use the DMT 1200 to lap the coticules, or do you need a different lapping stone for that?Quote:
Originally Posted by dylandog
could I use a dmt 8k instead of the norton 4k/8k and then finish with either a 12k chinese stone or a .25 micron paste
I use the 320. It's tough to lap with the 1200 because it's too grabby.Quote:
Originally Posted by loueedacat
I don't for a minute regret buying both DMTs, because they both do double duty. All my kitchen knives hit the 320 first and then the 1200; and the 320 laps all my other hones, with the 1200 cutting all razor bevels. They're workhorse stones and earn their keep. With both of those and a nice 6x2 belgian natural combo you have everything you'll ever need hone-wise, for razors and kitchen knives.
Of course you'll probably buy more because we're all sick that way.;)
Yes. Do you already have the DMT 8K? Reports on those are mixed; some apparently take a lot of breaking in before they stop roughing up the edge. Once broken in, yes, apparently, you can bring a razor quickly up to 8K shaveready-but-a-bit-rough, and then smooth it with the Chinese or equivalent.Quote:
Originally Posted by Matthew Aldas
Quote:
Originally Posted by dylandog
would you recommend something different? or how do you break in a DMT?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matthew Aldas
I have the norton 4/8K, DMTD8EE 8000 grit and yellow coticule from Howard.
Norton is a nightmare flatten "I am very pigeon peas." But it is a good hone.
DMT does not need to flatten but is different.
Coticule remained flat for a long long long time. I hone is a very practical and versatile.
All of them work but prefer coticule.
I use coticule and diamond pastes on wooden balsa with very good results.
Dioni
I am one of the ones that really likes the D8EE (DMT 8k), I start on a D8E (DMT 1200), then go to the D8EE, then to some finishing stone (Chinese 12k is a great stone for the price) and the edges are the most consistent that I've ever gotten.
And yes, the D8EE will do the work of the Norton 4k/8k. you could probably use your paddle strop to do the final polish but a stone would be better (and would require periodic flattening).
If you take a pre-lapped stone and do a few lapping strokes with it on the D8EE the roughness goes away fast and you're left with a consistent, low maintenance, powerful razor hone.
Although, there are a number of barber hones to be had for pretty cheap. And when combined with a pasted strop, they're all you'd really need to keep your razors sharp. I use the DMT because I do a good bit of sharpening (razors, knives, chisels etc.) and don't like to fuss with lapping, soaking etc. if it's unnecessary.
so would I just use the D8EE, if I choose to go that route, and then either use a chinese 12k or my paddle strop. would that combo work well?Quote:
Originally Posted by Russel Baldridge
where can I purchase a chinese 12k stone?
woodcraft woodworking stores have then for $30 for the 8 by 3 and $20 for the 8by 2 but you have to lap them and they take a while to lap very hard stone
If you get the D8EE you'll need something to finish the edge with. Your pasted strop might work but it really isn't meant to do final honing, it's meant to maintain an existing honed edge.
The Chinese 12k: http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=4920 is great, but will need to be lapped (there is a hone lapping "how to" thread in the FAQ's or archives somewhere, you can use sand paper from the hardware store).
And if you choose to use those two together, I'd recommend lapping the 12k on the D8EE to benefit both surfaces (after you've lapped the 12k on sand paper to flatten it).
There are lots of good options out there, don't rush into a decision if you can stand to take some time and read these forums (basic honing, advanced honing, reviews-hones, etc), there's a wealth of information that could point you in a better direction, depending on your personal preferences.