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Call up DMT and send it back. I hear they have great customer service. I'm waiting on them to get back to me.

That makes sense.:nj

I must wonder at what exactly "prepping" the DMT actually does. If we're removing diamonds through that process, it doesn't sound too good IMO. However, I can't think of any other plausible...

I tried lapping a spyderco UF on a d8e to get a more polished finish on the stone and I got some brownish slurry after a few circles. I stopped immediately. Do not recommend using the d8e at all...

D8X is 220 grit or thereabouts. Your right, the D8XX is probably the only true lapping stone among the diasharps. However, DMT recommends the Duosharp line for lapping waterstones. :shrug:

The rust is normal.

Try finishing it with a d8c. In fact, I'm not even entirely sure those scratches even affect your hone. I could be wrong, but I'm not sure the hone is all the worse for it.