Thread: Help to fix my 1k

I just returned my Norton lapping plate in favor of sandpaper and a granite tile. The problem I have now is that my 1k stone is super smooth. It feels about halfways between my 4 and 8k stone for surface roughness.

Previously I was using a 120 grit paper to lap the hone, but just tried an 80 grit. Still very smooth, not really a noticable change in surface texture with the grit change. I've been using Norton 3x paper.

Anyone have any suggestions on how to rough up my 1k a little? What do others use for lapping their 1ks?

Have you tried it yet after lapping with the sandpaper? The particles of the 1k are what are cutting steel for you. Just because the surface of the 1k is smoother doesn't mean it won't work as well. In fact, you may find it works better for you. More abrasive in contact with the edge during each pass on a smoother stone.

I'd be interested to hear how the stone performs for you after honing on it.

Chris L

Well, I wouldn't be asking for help if it worked better than before, would I?

I put about a hundred laps on the 1k last night after lapping with the 80 grit paper. I had some pretty aggressive scratches that I had in the blade from a couple of laps on the 220. These scratch marks did not go away after the 100 laps on the 1k. The bevel had an almost polished look to it after these laps though.

This was the point where I was a little frustrated and pulled out my 4k. After about 10 - 15 laps on this, the 220 scratches were noticeably reduced and the bevel had a nice 'frosted satin' look to it. I took this as a sign and continued with the 4k stone for the remainder of my honing session.

I use a 10x eyepiece to check the bevel

And your 4k has been lapped the same way?

If so thats just plain off the wall wierd. I have no idea whayt could cause that other than a defective stone.

The only recourse I can think of would be to lapp the hell out of the 1K and hope the situation rights itself.

IRRC, Norton recommends lapping with 320 wet/dry and finishing with 600 wet/dry. All abrasives being used well wetted, of course, so that the swarf from the process can be carried away without clogging the surfaced of the stone.

Yeah, sounds like the surface may be clogged.

Originally Posted by dnjrboy

Well, I wouldn't be asking for help if it worked better than before, would I?

Sorry, man, I made an incorrect assumption that you were going off of appearance and tactile feel rather than performance; my bad.

Chris L