DMT 8000

**sffone** · 12-11-2009, 04:57 PM

Honing a couple of razors a week, how long should a DMT 8000 hone last? I know that a fixed answer is impossible to give because of the variables, but in terms of a ballpark figure, I was wondering how soon I'd have to replace a DMT hone. In terms of bang for the buck, what is the best way to go for an 8k hone? Is a DMT cost effective as compared to a Norton 8k?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

**IanS** · 12-11-2009, 04:58 PM

Until infinity, give or take a year.

DMT users are 50/50 on the EE from what I've seen.

Some say it finishes just as well as a norton 8k.

Some say the quality of the edge is such that even though it's 8k, it doesn't make an effective finisher.

But on terms of lifetime?

I doubt anyone short of Lynn or one of the other 1000+ a year restorers would ever come close to wearing out a high grit stone on razors. But yes, the dmt should last far, far, far longer, assuming that you were ever able to wear out the norton.

**hi_bud_gl** · 12-11-2009, 05:10 PM

you will need to broke in at first to use it. Second it will loose diamonds slowly but i doubt it will loose less then 10 years (considering how you like to use).
You will have more fun and happy if you buy norton 4/8k
GL

**IanS** · 12-11-2009, 05:19 PM

BreakIn on my DMT's has taken 3-5minutes. I doubt EE is much worse. Take a rusty old butterknifed razor and pretend you're setting a bevel on the EE, hit the entire surface, a few minutes later you'll have only helped the razor (though not much), and the EE will be broken in. It will continue to slow down cutting for a couple days more (in my experience) but it will be much more uniform at this stage and suitable for use. (At least thats how my XC, F, VF have been).

**JimmyHAD** · 12-11-2009, 05:50 PM

IIRC I've read that the DMT 8000 is equivalent to a 4k in a Norton. I've used one after setting the bevel on an ATS 34 and an S30V because they were tough steel but I followed up with waterstones to finish the edges. If I was choosing one or the other I would go for the Norton 4/8. Just my two bits.

**v76** · 12-12-2009, 01:33 AM

http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...pressions.html

My impressions on the EE... cuts like a 4k, finishes like a 8k... I personally don't shave off of it, and didn't shave off of the Norton 8k either! Yep, sensitive skin... Has a lot of advantages over the Norton: No lapping, no soaking, no honing pyramid, etc... but the general consensus seems to be that the edges it makes are harsher... but I never really saw proof of it or felt it... I finish with a 12k + CrO anyway so it doesn't matter much!

To answer the question: Should last a lifetime.

**ChrisL** · 12-12-2009, 01:45 AM

I think I remember where that review and the phrase "cuts like a 4k finishes like an 8k" came from..........

I don't agree with that description at all. I own a D8EE, I've used the D8EE on razors and still do from time to time in a progression. Although now, it's relegated mainly to chisels and plane irons. In my experience, even with adding a drop of dish soap to the water, there is no way the D8EE competes with the Norton 8k. No way. That D8EE is still a cutting stone. It leaves scratches. Even though I sold my Norton 4/8 to swap out for Shaptons, I thought and still think the 8k Norton is an excellent stone. I loved the feel of it. It gives great 8k level edges that you can shave off of.

Chris L

**Sticky** · 12-12-2009, 01:47 AM

Originally Posted by sffone

Honing a couple of razors a week, how long should a DMT 8000 hone last?
...

22 years plus?

The red F 600 in my avatar is over 22 years old (it still cuts well) and sees much more use than my EE 8ks' do. I routinely use the EE, it just takes very few laps to get there. IMO, the DMT is very cost effective.

The honing feedback from DMT vs. Norton is very different. Unfortunately, the only way to know which you prefer is to try both. I am biased toward the DMT; that's definitely a personal preference.

**v76** · 12-12-2009, 02:04 AM

Also, some pictures worth looking at:
http://www.badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?p=1616125

Still doesn't mean much! I say just try them and flip them if they don't suit you. That's what I did with my Nortons... but you may just happen to like them.

**sffone** · 12-12-2009, 02:39 AM

Thank you, gents, for taking the time to offer your insight. Judging from everyone's words of experience, the DMT is not a bad way to go, it's just a very different animal from the Norton and has its own inherent strengths and weaknesses. I'll probably end up doing just what has been suggested and that is to try both of them.

Thanks again,
Steven

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