Thread: What do I need to get started honing

So how do I do this with the sandpaper? I'd imagine that would wear finger lines into it?????

Attach the sandpaper to a flat surface and then rub the lapping plate over the sandpaper in a figure eight motion until flat.

Any flat surface or does it have to be a "Special extra flat" surface?

Originally Posted by mcgyver74

Any flat surface or does it have to be a "Special extra flat" surface?

I've seen a lot of members recommend glass plates, ceramic tiles, etc. My first lapping was done with sandpaper on the kitchen breakfast counter. Spray the counter with water, wet the wet/dry sandpaper and lay it on the wet counter and it will suction well enough to run the stone over it. Problem, it makes a mess on the counter, leaves abrasives that cause scratches, etc. The next day I ordered the DMT 325, never needs lapped, and I use it to clean each stones surface prior to honing. As per gssixgun's videos. I don't think you will ever regret pulling the trigger for a DMT. Regards, Howard

Ok, I will order a DMT

So from what I understand, with what I have plus some CrOx I can pretty much touch up any razor I own as well as set a bevel and hone a dull razor... Excited to learn

Originally Posted by mcgyver74

Ok, I will order a DMT

So from what I understand, with what I have plus some CrOx I can pretty much touch up any razor I own as well as set a bevel and hone a dull razor... Excited to learn

I think you'd be good to go. Those are the stones I started with and and still use on occasion and they'll do the job, bevel to shave ready. You'll probably add more later, i.e. Naniwa 12k or Shapton 16k, it's addictive you know!! You also might consider these stone holders. Buy Stone Holders at Woodcraft I keep the DMT325 in one all the time and use the second one for the nortons by just changing as I hone. They're really handy, but you can get along without them. Good Luck with the honing!! Howard

Ps. I would lap the coarser stones first. It kind of breaks in the DMT and smooths the surface a liitle before going to the 8000.