Thread: Can I use a DMT 325 for bevel setting?

Hey all, I just picked up a DMT 325 for lapping my Norton 4k/8k, and Naniwa 12K. That completes my stone collection, and I don't have a 1k stone for bevel setting. i am wondering if it is feasible to use the DMT 325 to set a bevel, and then finish the razor off on a norton 4k/8k, maybe using the pyramid? I am kind of skeptical though, I am thinking maybe the DMT is too course for a razor. I am trying keep away from buying a 1K stone, since then I would have to buy something else to lap that, and this straight razor stuff is getting expensive! If the DMT 325 is too course, would a DMT at a higher grit range work?

Thanks

Dustin

The 325 is pretty aggressive and you really only need it for major edge repairs. You'd be wearing away a lot of the razor unnecessarily by using that stone.

What I'd do is get a slurry stone and work up a slurry on your 4k Norton and use that as a bevel setter, then rinse with just water to move up to 4k.

Hope that helps!

I haven't used any DMT hones, but I think the jump from 325 to a 4k hone is too big. The DMT 325 is a course hone, mostly used for restoration. You use it when you have to establish a new bevel. A DMT 1200 would fill the gap from 325 to 4k.

The simple answer is "Yes". The question you have to ask though is do you want to. Stubear has a valid point about aggressiveness. If you need to remove a lot of metal in a hurry, the D8C will do the job admirably.

Sure you can. Best if there are chips/nicks or rust on the edge, but the DMT 325 grit can be used to set bevels and even correct some other problems.

If lots of work needs doing though, I'd tape the spine.

Originally Posted by DustinNielsen

Hey all, I just picked up a DMT 325 for lapping my Norton 4k/8k, and Naniwa 12K. That completes my stone collection, and I don't have a 1k stone for bevel setting. i am wondering if it is feasible to use the DMT 325 to set a bevel, and then finish the razor off on a norton 4k/8k, maybe using the pyramid? I am kind of skeptical though, I am thinking maybe the DMT is too course for a razor. I am trying keep away from buying a 1K stone, since then I would have to buy something else to lap that, and this straight razor stuff is getting expensive! If the DMT 325 is too course, would a DMT at a higher grit range work?

Thanks

Dustin

Experts please check in on this as I am a fledgling honer. I have a D8C and I use it to lap my Norton 1k as well as my 4/8k. As long as you clean it off between stones you should not have to buy anything more than you already have to lap a 1k stone if you choose to get one. Hopefully I am correct because I have been doing it all along.

If you have the 325 DMT, a Norton 1k and the 4/8 that'll give you everything you need to hone a razor.

You can use the DMT for edge repair and for lapping the Nortons.

I use a 325 DMT to lap everything from 1k bevel setters right up to high end J-Nats and it works great.

I would say, for razors that will need a lot of work (restoration more than honing) you could set a pre-bevel on the 325 and then go to the Norton 4k to set the bevel. I wouldn't call the "edge" off a DMT325 a "set bevel," though.

On razors that don't need restoration, you should skip the 325 all together, though. Setting the bevel on the 4k is not ideal, but it can be done. I have to agree that getting a 1k will be very helpful it you plan on setting bevels.

When I got my first DMT 325, it was very rough feeling and aggressive. After some use, it becomes smoother and less aggressive. So, the distance between the DMT 325 and the 4K won't be quite as much as you might think from the feel of the DMT 325 right after purchase. That being said, it still is a big jump!

But, buy a 1K. Don't be penny wise and pounds foolish!!

I've got a DMT Dual 200/325 and I use it mainly for honing out chips or getting past some pitting on an edge. It's very useful to have but I generally do my bevel setting on a 1k stone although sometimes I think something around 600-700 would be very useful,