Thread: dmt x fine 1200

No one has made a definitive statement on what "breaking in" a DMT does. There has been some speculation but nothing definitive. maybe it fractures some of the diamonds that are sticking up above the rest? Maybe it simply dislodges some of the diamonds that are sticking up further from the nickel layer they're embedded in?

I think the DMTs are going to sound different from everything else mainly since the base is a slab of metal. I didn't really try to break in my DMT8C other than to run a screw driver shaft at an angle on the edges. I figure the 325 and even the 1200 are so coarse (it's going to matter more on the later grits) that it's not really going to make a lot of difference.

I'm not sure if I damaged my 1200 (before I got the 325) by lapping my shaptons. I don't think so. It now appears (and pretty much feels) to be almost perfectly smooth. Like you used a blowtorch to melt the layer of nickel on it. But it still cuts and leaves the expected scratch pattern. Oddly enough, to the fingers, it feels way smoother than my shapton 2K and maybe even the 4K.

I'm hoping that the 1200 will leave a nice bevel on my razors. I've never had a low grit hone so this will be my first crack at anything lower than 4k.

I'm still wondering whether I should jump to my coticule with slurry after the DTM or go straight to the belgian blue with slurry.

Good ifo and your probably right my dmtc laps and leaves all my hones realy smooth i would'nt use anything else. And the results of the dmt 1200 were very good and alot of people seem to use it for bevel setting it does the job good.

The 1200 is great for setting bevels. If you're going to be grinding out huge chips or using it as a regular lapper then you probably want something coarser.

I use zud for cleaning (or a similar powdered cleaner) and rub it around with my finger. The finger seems to clean better than a brush for me. The nylon brush works good too. The metallic noise is normal and changes a little as it breaks in.

Originally Posted by Dups

I'm still wondering whether I should jump to my coticule with slurry after the DTM or go straight to the belgian blue with slurry.

Straight to the Blue with light slurry.
Make sure you get a very sticky feeling on the TPT, coming off the DMT. I always aim to pass the HHT. The edge has a microscopical sawtooth pattern, which aids for grabbing the skin at the TPT and for popping hairs.
As soon as you hit the Blue for a fe laps, the teeth will disappear and the edge will seem less sharp. Not to worry, though, just stay on the Blue till the TPT maxes out again, this time on a toothless edge..
Finish on the Cotucule with water.

Here's a wiki article about this method:
A simple honing method with DMT-E , Belgian Blue Whetstone and Coticule - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Bart.

Originally Posted by gary haywood

Good ifo and your probably right my dmtc laps and leaves all my hones realy smooth i would'nt use anything else. And the results of the dmt 1200 were very good and alot of people seem to use it for bevel setting it does the job good.

I have dmt coarse 325 which i lap with works fine my norton 1k has removed nicks no problems so i should imagine the 1200 dmt will be good for that .

thanks Bart!

Should I also be able to pass the TNT off the DMT? I imagine I'll have to do a few passes after tha to make sure the edge is back in top shape?

I use the tnt every time i set a new bevel and when tnt realy digs across my nail i carry on honing and do tpt untill i'm happy with that after 1200 just tpt once younhave done 50 laps on your blue the tpt will feel differant it should start to feel a lot smoother still stiky but not sticky coarse like 1200 stage. once you have finished on blue shine light on the bevel and it will look diffarant agian more mirrord. Like i said i'd normaly go 4k then 8k then bbw yellow but the blue realy worked and it was first time i tryed the method it is very easy method like bart says.I could of just shaved straight of blue but having yellow i used it i also have chineese 12k thinking of ading that at the end next time.

Originally Posted by Dups

thanks Bart!

Should I also be able to pass the TNT off the DMT? I imagine I'll have to do a few passes after tha to make sure the edge is back in top shape?

I don't use the DMT 1200, but I have the norton 1000. The TNT is the primary test I when I'm on the 1000. If it doesn't grab your nail along every part of the blade, then the bevel isn't properly set and there is absolutely no point in going to a higher grit until this test is passed.