Thread: 3M Diamond Lapping Film

Has anyone used 3M products for honing thier blades?
They have lapping film at 0.10 micron.

I think there are a few of us who hone with films. They're out there in diamond, aluminum oxide, or silicon carbide. The 0.1µm film wouldn't be useful except as a final polish. I don't go any lower than 0.5µm, after that I'm on the leather. If you do a search, you'll find a bunch of info on the use of films. Welcome to SRP!

I just had a shave off a razor honed to 0.1um, it was nice!

I have been using the 0.1 as of late and the shave is very smooth. You are not sharpening by the time you get to a 0.1, just polishing.


Take Care,
Richard

I guess I may have to get some 0.1µm with my next batch. I've been really happy with my shaves off of the 0.5µm so far. The 0.1µm may spoil me completely!

Oh it will, but be careful! I have had to lay the blade down a little more because it is so smooth it will just slide under your skin if the pressure is to high or you do not strech your skin enough! The amount of pressure that I use is about the same as I hone with to give you an idea. It is not for everyone and I really don't think I would ever give a razor honed with 0.1um to anyone unless they were very experienced and use to very sharp razors. My goodness it is smooth though!


Take Care,
Richard

Even off the 0.5µm film, both of the German blades I'm currently rotating shave quite well with angles I'd say were 15° or less. My finishing stroke usually has the spine off the skin just enough to escape the suction of laying flat. I just today started sanding the W&B I bought recently off the B&B B/S/T. I think I may be due for some new films once I get it to honing stage. My D. Peres will be finished first, and we'll see what life the films have left after that. I will say that the W&B is the hardest steel I've encountered thus far in my straight razor journey.

Originally Posted by riooso

Oh it will, but be careful! I have had to lay the blade down a little more because it is so smooth it will just slide under your skin if the pressure is to high or you do not strech your skin enough!

Not to restart the "too sharp" debate again. But, this alludes to the reason some prefer a blade that isn't so sharp.

As for me, I sometimes use the 3M 0.5 micron chromium oxide film.

Chromium Oxide 3M Abrasive Paper
Lee Valley Tools - Woodworking Tools, Gardening Tools, Hardware
Item# 54K9501 0.5 Micron CrO, Plain $1.80

I've used the diamond lapping film down to 1.0 micron. I love the stuff. It seems more forgiving and foolproof ( a big plus for me) than stones. Drawbacks are that it is expensive and it wares out. I may order some 0.5 and 0.1 micron just for kicks some day.

Originally Posted by matt321

I've used the diamond lapping film down to 1.0 micron. I love the stuff. It seems more forgiving and foolproof ( a big plus for me) than stones. Drawbacks are that it is expensive and it wares out. I may order some 0.5 and 0.1 micron just for kicks some day.

I don't know if you have seen this site. I got it from somewhere within the last month and it looks like a great place to get film. I don't know shipping costs but I have a warehouse close to me so I was going to check it out. I called and they said they will sell you any amount as long as it is not special order and of course then there would be a minimum. All the places that I have been to before were really abusive with the minimums and the shipping and handling costs. These guys want your business!

661X - 3Mâ„¢ Diamond Lapping Film 661X Sheets (R.S.Hughes Catalog)


Take Care,
Richard