Thread: Problem with a Norton 4K/8K combination water stone

i think it's just 4k stones period. the stone is just porous enough to catch the shavings as you're sharpening the blade. a friend of mine suggested running it across a flattening stone to get down past the flecks. haven't tried it yet though.

You guys are great! I was getting ready to call Norton and complain, but now I find that this is a known problem, with a fairly easy fix. The collective knowledge here is really amazing.

I used a variety of Norton abrasive papers when lapping the 4K, then finished with 600 grit Rhynowet A/O paper. I have DMT and Eze-Lap diamond bench stones, so I'll try resurfacing the 4K with them. If that doesn't work, I'll try the Norton flattening stone.

Thanks again.

I always use wet/dry sandpaper with lots of water when lapping the Norton 4K. . When finished I then place the hone under running water and scrub it with either a brush or a nylon kitchen pad to remove any embedded grit.

Just before each honing session I refresh the surface ( lightly lap) with a 1000 grit wet/dry or hone. This removes any embedded swarf from the last honing session and brings fresh abrasive grains to the surface. It also keeps the hone flat for a longer period of time. This has made a major difference for me.

Just my $.02

Valuable information!

I just got my Norton 4K/8K and still sitting on the fence whether to get a DMT 8C or go with sandpaper and a flat plate. After reading many posts on this topic, it seems as if there are less headaches in the long run using the DMT 8C.

Originally Posted by Fender57

Valuable information!

I just got my Norton 4K/8K and still sitting on the fence whether to get a DMT 8C or go with sandpaper and a flat plate. After reading many posts on this topic, it seems as if there are less headaches in the long run using the DMT 8C.

Definately less headaches with DMT and you can use it for other tasks as well, like refreshing the stone quickly before honing, making slurry.