Thread: Microns v. Grit

I was wondering what the rough equivalence of the commonly used honing grits is as compared to abrassive pastes. So, is say 8k ~= 1.0 micron. Etc.

I am aware that "grit" is a little vague when dealing with the super fine stones used for razors, since the standard measure cannot be used beyond 240 or so (number of holes in a screen of a standard size). Also, because of this method of measuring grit, and the vagueness, it seems an accurate formula for conversion is probably not possible. Besides, I am interested in practical performance, and I'm sure other variables (hardness, powder v. imbedded in stone, etc.) impact this, making a conversion formula sort of useless if it did exist.

Seems like the only thing meaningful is practical experience of what they cut like.

So, practically speaking, what is more or less equivalent? Is a Norton 8k anywhere near the neighborhood of a 3.0 or 1.0 micron diamond paste? What about a yellow Belgian cuticle? Or a 12k or 15k Shapton?

(I am assuming that the non diamond pastes cut a little "finer" than the equivalent size diamond).

Thanks.

-Mo

Try looking at this posting as I had the same question awhile back.


http://straightrazorpalace.com/showthread.php?t=7501