Thread: Correct use of a Thuringian/Escher

Originally Posted by zib

A lot of guys are under the impression that slurries lower the grit range, which they don't. It just makes the hone work faster.

I don't think all that many people actually think that slurry lowers the grit range. Mostly because it makes no sense that it possibly could do such a thing. It does, however have a similar effect. ie. It causes the hone to remove steel more quickly and results in a less keen edge.

Originally Posted by zib

..If you need a lower grit, use a lower grit hone...That's what I was told by a very senior member when I started....

While I do agree that one should use the right tool for a given job, I still think that this quote is slightly misconceived. Or maybe I should say that it holds true more for synthetics (Where grit ratings rule supreme), than it does for naturals (Where grit ratings have less meaning).
What I am trying to say is that you don't NEED a lower grit hone. The use of a lower grit hone is not the objective, it is the tool. The objective is to remove more steel, and that can be acheived by the use of several tools. One of these tools is the use of a lower grit hone. Others are the use of slurry or pressure or even all three!

Edit: Upon reading, I realise the above may sound offensive or condacending. It was not intended as such. Your quoted text just gave me the ideal way to try and put my point across.