Pyramid with D8C, D8EE and 12k

I bought a D8C and a D8EE as well as a 12k for finishing the edge.

I'm assuming I shouldn't do any sort of pyramid with the D8C.

Should I do a pyramid with the D8EE and 12k?

I'm getting a sharp edge, but not shave ready. I've never gotten the HHT to work correctly, but my wapi seems to be shaving just fine.

Oh, and I'm using two blades that my father-in-law happened to find at an auction. (one doesn't have scales)

Since they are older blades, I'm practicing on them till I get my e-bay Double Arrow. Hopefully I can bring that to shave ready after practicing on the other two.

No, with the D8EE and the 12k, a pyramid is unnecessary.

Just set a bevel, then do enough passes on the D8EE to remove the rough scratches (20 to 30 is a good estimate), at that point the edge should be catching arm hairs pretty easily.

Then use the D8C to form a slurry on the 12k, do 30 or so passes, wipe off the slurry and re-wet the stone to do 30 or so more passes. The Chinese 12k is so gentle you really can't over do it, so keep going until you feel like the edge isn't improving. (max. is usually 100 strokes, but that depends on your technique.)

Thanks Mr. Baldridge.

I loved that set up. Sharpened my wushtof quite well. I didn't do near enough passes on the 12k with the razor though. Thanks for the added tips. I'll work more with the 12k and see what happens.

Would you suggest using the 12k wet or dry?

Many guys like using the 12k dry but, as with all natural stones, you'll just have to experiment for yourself and find out. It's part of the fun!

I do not do pyramids anymore!

I spend a lot more time on my coarser stones now, especially my DMT 12K, which I use to establish a bevel. Once that bevel is set correctly, I will move on to the 4K, 8K, Shaptons on glass, and then I will fly through my polisher (16K Shapton) and my finishing stone (the Nakayama).

* It depends on what kind of shape my edge is in, but I have found that I will spend what ever length of time and work is needed to get that bevel correct. From there it's downhill to the Nakayama and then the Chromium Oxide hanging linen for that magic edge.

No more pyramids for me! (until next time! - Yes, there are exceptions to everything)

Steve