So yes, my Norton 4k/8k out of the box was rough. The Chinese12K felt pretty good.
Not yet having a lap stone I picked up some Norton 320 wet/dry at Home Depot.
This morning let the 4K/8K soak for a good 30 minutes. As recommended I drew a cross hatch pattern on the stone with pencil.
Having no good flat surface I borrowed my departed dogs grave marker. Good solid granite. I'm sure he would forgive me.
Anyway, cleaned the granite , wet it down, placed the 320 on top and wet it as well.
First the 4k: really not a big deal. In about 5 minutes pencil marks gone and smooth. Similar on the 8k side. The 12K was also pretty quick. Did this with the grave marker on the tailgate of the F 150.
Went inside and got comfortable. Nothing fancy, no pyramids just simple strokes. At about 30 or so on the 4K noticed "swarf" (sp)? Did total of I imagine 75-100 on 4K. Did not keep count.
The 8K was also pretty good. Checked sharpness after 8K and hair on arm slid right off. A few more 8K strokes and than I'd say 20 or so on the Chinese 12K.
I have no magnifier but got one of the best shaves ever! Razor was an E Bay Thistle Cut. No idea of this brand. i believe it is American made. Cost me $9.00.
Now maybe I was fortunate, I don't know. But after reading all the stuff about honing I was concerned going in.
My opinion is honing is NOT a black art. It really is the same as sharpening any other blade or tool just finer grits !
Contrary to what I had read I did not need to take off anywhere near 1/8 inch on the 4K. The lapping was quick and easy. The entire honing process was simple. At least that is how I see it. I imagine edge repair takes longer but I just do not think honing need be as mysterious as some would make it out to be !!
Tonight I will hone my Dovo 5/8. I expect similar results.
My only question at this point is that my stones have sharp sides. Should I round them off or not ?
Happy Honing.
Dr. J.
Not yet having a lap stone I picked up some Norton 320 wet/dry at Home Depot.
This morning let the 4K/8K soak for a good 30 minutes. As recommended I drew a cross hatch pattern on the stone with pencil.
Having no good flat surface I borrowed my departed dogs grave marker. Good solid granite. I'm sure he would forgive me.
Anyway, cleaned the granite , wet it down, placed the 320 on top and wet it as well.
First the 4k: really not a big deal. In about 5 minutes pencil marks gone and smooth. Similar on the 8k side. The 12K was also pretty quick. Did this with the grave marker on the tailgate of the F 150.
Went inside and got comfortable. Nothing fancy, no pyramids just simple strokes. At about 30 or so on the 4K noticed "swarf" (sp)? Did total of I imagine 75-100 on 4K. Did not keep count.
The 8K was also pretty good. Checked sharpness after 8K and hair on arm slid right off. A few more 8K strokes and than I'd say 20 or so on the Chinese 12K.
I have no magnifier but got one of the best shaves ever! Razor was an E Bay Thistle Cut. No idea of this brand. i believe it is American made. Cost me $9.00.
Now maybe I was fortunate, I don't know. But after reading all the stuff about honing I was concerned going in.
My opinion is honing is NOT a black art. It really is the same as sharpening any other blade or tool just finer grits !
Contrary to what I had read I did not need to take off anywhere near 1/8 inch on the 4K. The lapping was quick and easy. The entire honing process was simple. At least that is how I see it. I imagine edge repair takes longer but I just do not think honing need be as mysterious as some would make it out to be !!
Tonight I will hone my Dovo 5/8. I expect similar results.
My only question at this point is that my stones have sharp sides. Should I round them off or not ?
Happy Honing.
Dr. J.
