Norton 4k/8k - Breaking in ?

Hi all,

I am aware that there were recent threads where the very same question was asked and the general consensus was that breaking them in is not needed.

So far I have used my 4k/8k right out of the box, with medium success (won't get hairtest sharp right from the stone, but the pasted strops fix that later :) ).

However, yesterday I decided to clean the stone by rubbing my 1k stone on it to get rid of all those remnants of my previous honing efforts and as a result the surfaces of the 4k and the 8k side are _much_ (really _very_ much :D ) smoother than before, and the results were also much better this time.

I would like to hear about your experiences/opinions with this, but as a result from my findings I would think that some sort of initial breaking in or smoothing is helpful, especially for those last 10% where you get to the real sharpness.

Just my 2 cents,
-Axel-

Usually the term used is "Lapping". In general, lapping is done to flatten the hone. At the same time it also cleans the hone.
My personal observation is that all hones benefit from an initial lapping. It both flattens them and takes off the "high points" on the hone. The one other step I perform on all hones is that I round the edge's. This prevents the edge from grabbing the blade and making small nicks in the edge of the razor.

Just my two cents,:)

The same with mine, it smoothed realy nicely when lapped the first time on 800 sandpaper.

I agree with these fellas. That 4k side of the Norton feels like you're honing on a concrete driveway unless you smooth it out. I used a DMT duosharp 4x10" on mine and it made a world of difference as well. Randy'r right about the edges too. Better safe than sorry, adds peace of mind too, especially if you're an X-pattern-er. .......Jeff

Phew, and I wondered how in heavens all you guys could get the razor to pass the hanging hair test right from the stone while I failed so badly with my brand-new one.

Well, I guess that lapping stuff is part of the answer, is it ?!

Thanks for your comments, have a nice day,
-Axel-

Quote:

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Originally Posted by aschaab

Well, I guess that lapping stuff is part of the answer, is it ?!

-Axel-

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errr... You have to be carefull with lapping. Use high quality sandpaper, 600-1000 grit, on the glass plate with plenty of water. Do 5-10 circles on each side. Now, that worked well with Swiss sandpaper I used the first time, but I got hell the second time. I used no-name sandpaper, and particles of it were embeded in the stone. I didn't noticed them until I started honing my razors. brrr...I spent hour or two picking the particles with needle and lupe, under very strong light, and another hour honing the nicks on the razors:(

I think better idea is to lap your stone with pumice stone, under thin running stream of water, with circular motion, since you are not trying to straighten the surface on the Norton, just smoothen it...


Nenad

There are several stone flattening systems available out there. Using a DMT diamond stone is a popular solution. You might want to ake a look at these available at epicurian edge:

http://www.epicureanedge.com/pics/80253_1_n.jpg

I have this system from Shapton and really like it ($$):

http://www.japanwoodworker.com/asset...ker/02.100.jpg

If you get the Shapton system, DO NOT use the powders that come with the kit. They are too coarse and will turn your stone to junk. You NEED to use the super fine WHITE powder that looks like this:

http://www.shaptonstones.com/stones/...der_hosome.jpg

All of this stuff is available from Shapton. This is how I do it; there are other and cheaper ways, but keeping a stone flat and in good condition is under-discussed and very very important. If you really want to go nuts, you can get the Shapton Diamond Plate for $500.00!

Here is a link on how to use a lapping system:

http://www.shaptonstones.com/informa...pingplate.html

The final step in lapping is to place the hone under running water and use your fingers to rub off any particles that may be on the surface of the hone.

The first time you use a newly lapped hone use a spare dull razor or a couple of back honing strokes to see if there are any imbedded particles.

hope this helps,

Okay, nice to know about the possible problems with particles being embedded into the stone.

Actually what I did take a Carborundum 1k Stone I have which is absolutely flat and also very hard and did my lapping with this one.

But I'll check for particles on my Norton, thanks for the heads-up.

A lapping system is of course even better, but right know I'll rather spend money on nicer razors than on more sharpening equipment :)

-Axel-