Thread: Getting a Natural Flat

Originally Posted by JimR

I haven't "lapped" my stones since their first use, so I wouldn't say this method causes significant dishing.

Yes, that is why I was curious. I've never had to lap any of my harder finishers and the only thing I could see that was different between me and what was being discussed was the nagura honing approach. This is the second thread in the last week or so where the OP was asking about lapping and nagura, so I just assumed....

Thanks for the clarification.

James.

Is the BBW side any good for this?

Originally Posted by bassguy

I remember ZethLent mentioned a mesh abrasive which worked well, but the meshes I've seen in local hardware stores are drywall and very low grit. And I'm lazy in NYC but the tile idea is a great idea.
Jim: I... Totally forgot what I was going to ask you.
Oh. Have you tried the three stone round robin flattening trick? And, if a beginner (like me) brought you a stone with mild dishing and minor scratches, how would you flatten it for them?

Well, to begin with I'd use a 400 diamond plate to flatten, then I'd polish on 1000 diamond, then 2000 grit on a polished granite tile, then finish on another finishing stone.

If it was only scratched, I'd leave it.

Originally Posted by bassguy

Is the BBW side any good for this?

I never tried but yes why not.

On many things I'm totally a slug who doesn't care a wit. On things I am really interested in I can be, well , anal. Honing, stones and lapping was one of those things. So when I first got round here I bought a Starratt straight edge that is a precision machinists tool. Going back to the '80s when I bought 3 Belgian coticules from 3 individual barbers they all gave me some tips. One of them a demonstration on honing.

None of them mentioned lapping although they did say the yellow side was the honing side and the bbw was only there for reinforcement. No flattening or lapping though. I've since bought vintage coticules, Thuringans and Eschers and not a one was flat. I've had members, who know how to hone, send their stones for me to evaluate and they arrived .... not flat. I've gotten old vintage coticules that belonged to barbers that were dished. One of them came with a razor from the same barber. It hadn't been honed in 20 years and it was scary sharp.

So I've honed on stones that are not flat, that are dished and what have you, just to experiment. Usually with good results using the X stroke. Not saying that I don't flatten my stones. I do. Only on 325 diamond plate so far. I've not gone above that. My nortons more often than my naturals. I rarely flatten those after the initial lapping but I do if I feel they need it. I got a beautiful y/g escher that has the original ink stamp on the honing surface. Isn't flat. I honed on it as is and the razor came out real good. I don't have the heart to flatten it and remove the stamp residue.

I'm not saying this as some sort of "expert" honer who is giving a tutorial of sorts. That is not what I am. Just a guy who hones his own razors as a hobby and likes stones. The purpose of the rambling discourse is to relate some of my experience. not necessarily "right", not necessarily wrong. Just some of what I've been doing. A couple of the guys who've mentored me along the way, who are considered bona fide honemeisters stick with flattening at 325 while at least one goes up to 1k on sandpaper. I've not gone over the 325 yet. I'm afraid I might like the results and it is that much more work.

I've been using SiC powders on glass a few years now & it is really a super fast option for removing lots of stone if needed but any light lapping is easily done with a diamond plate.
I can tell you fosho your glass will become opaque if you keep using it. Your landlord may not like that

Jimmy, that's exactly the kind of response I was hoping for, your own experience and what works for you! I don't worry too much about how flat my stones are and your account supports that. Most razors need a rolling x stroke of some kind, and that can help get around most dishes in a stone. Super flat and straight blades bug me to hone.