Originally Posted by
Russel Baldridge
That is actually my favorite honing progression for all edge tools (but minus the 0.5 micron strop because I have stones that do a better job).
The DMT C is nice for lapping any stone/hone you could ever acquire and puts a nice edge on any tool very fast.
The DMT E is great for removing the rough grit marks from the DMT C, or is a good starting place for blades that only need a little rough work before hitting the finer grits.
The DMT EE will put a razor sharp edge on any tool that has had it's edge properly formed on the DMT E. It removes the 1200 grit scratches in about 10 strokes. BUT the edge will not be smooth enough to give a satisfactory shave.
The Coticule makes quick work of smoothing out the edge from the DMT EE and is a good starting place for general razor maintenance.
(some people have repoted being able to smooth out the edge from the DMT EE with just CrO paste, I can't comment but see it as plausible.)
I say, good job, you'll have some nice edges in no time. Just be carefull to not over-do-it with the diamond plates and make sure that you "break in" the surfaces by lapping them with some kind of stone/hone, chisel, or piece of steel; the factory-fresh DMT surfaces are much harsher than when they are broken in.