Thread: Scratches off a 16k?

I'm wondering if my shapton 16k should be leaving scratches that are visible to the naked eye, on the bevel/spine. Any thoughts?

Good question.
My GS16k leaves visible scratches but I assume they are remnants from coarser stones. On the other hand, when I use 1-micron diamond lapping film, I get a mirror bevel. The 16k is also about 1 micron so go figure.

part of me wants to keep honing until I have a 3/8 midget razor, or a mirror bevel. whichever happens first.

I haven't taken my 16k out for a spin in quite awhile, but I don't recall it leaving visible scratches on the bevels.

Chris L

My shapton does leave scratches, they get corrected on Nakayama.
I have the feeling thechnique has to do a lot with the scratches on the bevel.
I am still a little on the too much pressure side. It is possible that lapping with too rough stone leaves uneven surface that also can cause scratches on the bevel.

I don't have the Shapton glass but I do have the 15k professional. I haven't used it in quite a spell and I don't recall scratches visible to the naked eye or not. I have read on the Shapton website that you should go so far as to wash your hands between grits to avoid carrying coarser grit from one hone to another. I don't know if grit contamination would apply but it might be something to look out for.

i've been lapping on 3m wet/dry 1000 or 1500 grit. could that be my problem?

Originally Posted by JonnyBoy

i've been lapping on 3m wet/dry 1000 or 1500 grit. could that be my problem?

The recomended grit for lapping is 320(or so) lloks like you are fine, but I am not sure you can lap with that high of a grit.
I lap with 320 sand paper and then go over with 1.2 DMT to make the surface as smooth as I can. I have had the stone for ~10 days so I am still learning it.

Originally Posted by JonnyBoy

i've been lapping on 3m wet/dry 1000 or 1500 grit. could that be my problem?

Did you notice if grit wore off the sandpaper? Did you lap under running water? Did you rinse the shapton thoroughly after lapping? I would assume that it could be from the sandpaper, but it could also be from coarser hones (as mentioned above). Did you take a good look at your bevel before going to the 16k? Did it look smoother or more scratched? A before and after comparison should tell you something.

Mine doesnt leave scratches that I can see. Have to double check when I get home tonight though, and make sure...!

I lapped it with a 325 DMT and then washed it to make sure there was no grit on it. Then I'm just careful to make sure theres no grit on the stone as I'm using it.