I just pulled the trigger on a Spyderco 8K hone from a fellow member here (thanks, Leighton). I'm getting into restorations, and my plan is to pick up a Norton 1k/4k for rougher work and a Chinese 12k for finishing.
My dilemma is with lapping these things. I was going to go for the Norton lapping stone since it is relatively inexpensive, and I know the Norton name. After reading around here and on SRP, I have heard that many don't like the coarse grit of the Norton. Also, I've heard that the Chinese 12k will wear out the Norton prematurely. Instead, they seem to prefer to use a DMT 8C (320 grit, I think). With buying all of these hones right now, I can't afford to buy the DMT just yet.
My question is, can I (successfully) use sand paper on a granite tile to get all of these things flat? If so, why do people spend the money on lapping plates?
My dilemma is with lapping these things. I was going to go for the Norton lapping stone since it is relatively inexpensive, and I know the Norton name. After reading around here and on SRP, I have heard that many don't like the coarse grit of the Norton. Also, I've heard that the Chinese 12k will wear out the Norton prematurely. Instead, they seem to prefer to use a DMT 8C (320 grit, I think). With buying all of these hones right now, I can't afford to buy the DMT just yet.
My question is, can I (successfully) use sand paper on a granite tile to get all of these things flat? If so, why do people spend the money on lapping plates?
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