Thread: Micro mesh as a cheap substitute for honing stones?

You can get a set of 9 'micro mesh' sheets (of 1.5K, 1.8K, 2.4K, 3.2K, 3.6K, 4K, 6K, 8K and 12K grits) for much less than a half of the price of one honing stone.

Is there any reason why these couldn't be stuck to wooden blocks and used as a way to start honing cheaply?

I've bought a set of 12" by 4" sheets anyway (I can find other uses for it if this isn't do-able), and will be getting some super cheap razors from the bay to try it out on.

Has anyone tried this?

Andrew

EDIT: oh sorry, should this be in the 'hones' section? Please move the thread if it's more appropriate there.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/hones...questions.html

Here is some info

I tried this. And I butter knifed my blade....mind you I can only get the small cushioned pads in my city, so that give in the "honing" surface is probably what did it.

I know an upfront purchase of hones may seem like a lot to invest, and ultimately only you can decide what you are willing to spend. But please consider the following:

Under normal conditions, one set of hones will last longer than you will.
Current production synthetic hones do not devalue significantly.

Short answer: NO!

Micro Mesh is no substitute for a stone or 3M lapping film.
I am not sure why, but the micro mesh just doesn't do a razors edge any good.
Get some lapping film instead. This stuff is way cheaper than stones and a really well studied alternative.
Do some research, maybe over at Badger&Blade. Seraphim is quite the advocate for all things lapping film.

To make a short recommendation:
Get a flat surface, like a tile, or floating glass and some lapping film (Aluminiumoxide Al2O3) in 5µm, 3µm and 1µm.
Personally I would still recommend a 1k stone for setting a bevel. A king 1k may be a cheap option

If you like it, you may stick to the lapping film, or invest into a full stone setup

Micromesh works ok on convex edges like katana but razors have a different geometry. Apples & oranges.