Thread: Natural replacement for DMT 8K?

Originally Posted by Chris L

You're going to like that 8"x3" Belgian Blue. I have one and use it a lot.

I recently started using it for a purpose other than honing: I've been finish lapping my stones on the Belgian Blue. Nice!!! The stiction is a huge factor, but I like the smooth results that it gives to the surfaces of my other natural stones (I have not tried it on my Shaptons) that I'm probably going to lap the bottom side of my Belgian Blue and score some diamond pattern into the surface which should reduce the stiction and make for a great 4000 +/- grit lapping stone.

I bought some carbide tile hacksaw blades (inexpensive) that rather than having teeth, it's like a thick wire with abrasive bonded to it. It should cut the bottom of my belgian blue easily. I'll just score the surface down to maybe 1/8".

I'll post pics and results when done.

Chris L

That's a cool idea right there. I look forward to the pics.

Originally Posted by Chris L

You're going to like that 8"x3" Belgian Blue. I have one and use it a lot.

I recently started using it for a purpose other than honing: I've been finish lapping my stones on the Belgian Blue. Nice!!! The stiction is a huge factor, but I like the smooth results that it gives to the surfaces of my other natural stones (I have not tried it on my Shaptons) that I'm probably going to lap the bottom side of my Belgian Blue and score some diamond pattern into the surface which should reduce the stiction and make for a great 4000 +/- grit lapping stone.

I bought some carbide tile hacksaw blades (inexpensive) that rather than having teeth, it's like a thick wire with abrasive bonded to it. It should cut the bottom of my belgian blue easily. I'll just score the surface down to maybe 1/8".

I'll post pics and results when done.

Chris L

I've been thinking about cutting a thin stone with one of those blades; but you Mr. Chris really do need to sit down for a consultation to address your problem

Belgian stones are getting harder to get. You may not always be able to get a blue! Select grade coticules may not always be available either. The belgians told me, in detail, about the new heavy equipment they've had to acquire in order go deeper to get at the coticule. The pumps are also barely keeping up with the water flow. The price of petrol is also a big factor there as cranes and bulldozers and pumps drink a lot of it. There will be a major price increase in Jan 09 they tell me.

Chris,
Interesting use for a belgian blue. Be careful about the scoring of the bottom of the blue as it could weaken the stone, cause delamination, and lead to cracks and spalling. BTW, when is the Minnesota Get Together? I have to mail you out that stone for the raffle.

Howard

Originally Posted by Howard

Chris,
Interesting use for a belgian blue. Be careful about the scoring of the bottom of the blue as it could weaken the stone, cause delamination, and lead to cracks and spalling. BTW, when is the Minnesota Get Together? I have to mail you out that stone for the raffle.

Howard

Hi Howard:

The MN Get Together is on Saturday November 15th, 8 days away. If you need my address again, let me know and I'll send it to you. Thank again, Howard!

Chris L

Quick update: I have used the Belgian Blue with the DMT 1200, coticule and Nakayama I have, to restore 4-5 razors and re-sharpen 7-8 more.

What a peculiar, but great, stone!

I have used it with medium and light slurry in varying places in the progression above and it works exactly as I hoped it would. It really refines the grit marks without significantly dulling the bevel.

First off, Howard shipped it fast and safe. Excellent job overall.

It does have a few inclusions, but in an 8"x3" stone, it's bound to happen, and they have no negative impact on honing.

One issue I have with this stone:

Every time I use it, I smell grape kool aid... I know it's in my head, but that's pretty weird. I'm not complaining, I just thought I would share that with everyone.