How many DMT's are enough?

I was cleaning out the gun safe today (where I also keep my treasured hones), and counted 11 DMTs. I do actually use them all, just not every day...:D In my defense (as if that would be necessary!), the purchases were made over a 20+ year period.

Anywho, here's my list:

• W4C 45 micron, 325 mesh, 7/8" x 4 1/3”
• W4F 25 micron, 600 mesh
• W4EE 3 micron, 8,000 mesh
• WMF
• WME 9 micron, 1,200 mesh

• W6F 2" x 6"
• W6E
• D6E
• D6EE

• D8XX 120 micron, 120 mesh, 3" x 8"
• D8C

P.S. Has anyone ever done a "list all your hones" thread? That thread would probably belong in the sub-forum "The Finer Things in Life". The serious HAD addicts might need about a week of lead time to hold a "hone round-up".

I started off thinking why would you ever want so many DMTs, and then I started counting...................
I have 7 of them now and I'm even considering getting the W4EE as well!!!

I Currently have
D8C and D8E which I use solely for lapping and kitchen knives.
D4F
D4E
W4C
W4F
W4E

I much prefer the W series 4" hones to the D series ones and probably won't use my D4F or D4E for razors again, they come in handy for raising a slurry on my belgians though.
The thing is, 'm not even a big fan of DMTs!

Connor

That's a good question. Having none I'm feeling somewhat inadequate, jealous and denied. One would seem to be a big improvement.

I have four of the DMT series in the 8" models. The D8C, D8F, D8E and the D8 8000. I use the C to lap hones that I don't lap with my GDLP and to remove frowns or very large chips. a rare occurrence but good to have it if it comes up.

I use the D8F for a second lapping after the C if I want to have a smoother surface. Also my F is dead flat according to my Starrett straight edge. The C is almost but not quite so I like to be as flat as possible. I figure that the small amount that the F is removing won't wear the plate too much.

The E is my bevel setter if I don't want to use the Norton 1k or the Shapton pros 1& 2k. With some razors I prefer the plate. For delicate or chip prone edges I would use the Norton or Shapton. If I use the plate I have found that the drop of soap in the water is a great improvement. Before I knew about that I didn't care for honing on the plates.

My 8000 is my go to hone for ATS 34, CM30V or my Damascus TI. These have the reputation of being tough for honing and I found using a friends plate that it delivered the goods so I got my own. I am considering getting the XX since that is what DMT recommends for lapping stones. I would start with it and apply another grid and then follow with the C and the F. Not that I am obsessive. :shrug: