Thread: lapping film all the same?

Seems like there a few different types of lapping films oh there..3M I hear is the most popular..but are the edges the same when compared .3 micron 3M vs .3 compareable type

This is just my opinion, but you get what you pay for. I find the 3M is usually a little more expensive, but just works.

On a slightly different note, I used some non 3M wet/dry sandpaper to clean a razor once and went out and bought 3M after I was done and started again. It seamed to come apart more and wear holes more than the 3M. The finish was similar, but after that, I just stick to 3M.

All that being said, I don't have a lot of experience, just a few razors so far. Maybe someone more experienced will come on and have different views that would be more valid.

Definitely not the same. I've tried a few (and must admit that I no longer use lapping film); what I have found is that if you go aluminum oxide go with the 3m, if you go diamond look into Thor labs.
I haven't tried them all, but the cheap aluminum oxide will just annoy you.

this is where the guy who sent me a sample got his lapping film from..
http://www.specialized.net/Specializ...s=lapping+film
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My other question is...can I put the film on my dmt1200 plate and make it stick perfectly with some water and NOT need a piece of glass or ceramic tile?

I would not use the dmt. The film (not PSA) is held by water tension and the diamond particles on your DMT will break the tension. Glass and ceramic are available at many hardware stores. you can also purchase metal plates for this purpose from woodcraft stores in their sharpening section. They sell a film specifically for it, but many of the commercially available films are in sizes that can be easily cut to hone sizes without much or any loss.

Don't quote me on this, but I believe that SPC gets their film from the same manufacturer as ThorLabs.

Seraphim used to be a member here and he always recommended lapping films. He said in another forum that lapping film of Alox was just as good as diamond, it just didn't last as long or cut as fast, it still cuts VERY fast. I have the 3M kind from Amazon and it works very very well, shave ready in 10 minutes after bevel set, if that.

The trick is to get a thick piece of glass as a plate, or granite and wet it and smooth the films on that. I use a piece of damp printer paper between the surface and the film, it works like a cushion and leaves a smoother finish.

I wouldn't waste my money on Diamond films. Also make sure to clean and dry your films correctly after use or they will have dirt and dust on them next time you hone.

Hi Smalltank,

I assume you mean the back of your DMT and not the honing surface.
It might work, but it won't be perfect, because the back of the DMT is not perfectly flat.
What you can do is put the lapping film on a fine, freshly lapped waterstone

otherwise, listen to disburden