Thread: DMT D8C + additional finishing?

I've been thinking about getting a DMT for a while now. I plan on using it specifically for maintaining the flatness of my stones by doing periodic lappings between razors.

I know that the D8C is the one most recommended for lapping duties, but I've been using 1k sandpaper on a granite tile to do my lapping lately and I am wondering if others use some sort of wet/dry paper to finish the surface of their hones after lapping on the D8C.

If I'm going to have to use sandpaper to smooth out the stone after lapping, there doesn't seem to be much point to getting the D8C. I could just spend the money on sandpaper instead.

If you're getting results you like from the sandpaper on a granite tile then there's no need for a DMT coarse. We on SRP are a special breed, always brainstorming for problems to justify the solutions we crave.

That said, I use the DMT coarse for all my stones and never feel the need to follow with something finer. Perhaps there are certain types of artificial hones where you would want this; I don't know. But on slate-based natural hones such as coticules and eschers (which is pretty much all I use) the DMT-C leaves a perfect finish.

I found my DMTC left scratches on some really hard hones, like barber hones, C12k, Dragon's tongue. Nothing deep; can't feel them with a nail and can't see them when the hones are wet. They came off quickly with a little rubbing from another hard stone; I've used a C12k, barber hone, or Spyderco medium - anything hard and non-porous will work.

My D8C leaves a very smooth surface on the Nakayama
that I lap with it. It's also is a handy stone to keep around
in case circles on a 1k hone aren't getting the job done
quickly enough on a tough razor.

- Scott

I lap with the DMTC 325 and never go finer although I have known guys who go up to 1k on sandpaper. It is worth noting that the Shapton GDLP is 325 so apparently they think that is good enough. YMMV.

I think 325 is fine for most like Holli says. I just found out that my Swaty is nice both as a slurry stone and for "final lapping" after the DMT C.

But I digress. I used to be a paper guy but I promise you it is a lot easier to lap by rubbing two stones together. It is also easier to lap under running water with two stones than it is with paper on a tile. Finally, I only have experience with the DMT with holes, but it doesn't swarf even 1% as quickly as sandpaper. The grit never wears out, the grit never comes of the paper to gouge your hones, etc etc etc. A DMT is a big improvement IME.