Derek Cohen (in Perth, Australia)
i know discussing sharpening techniques and equipment is like discussing religion but anyways,

i'd like to keep it on topic if i can. i decided i wanted to change my sharpening routine for chisels and plane blades. i learned a lot but now i decided to get some shapton "pro" Kuromako stones.

so i'd like to know what people here flatten them with and how often? is it a routine or just when you feel it needs it? do you measure it? eye ball it?

i have yet to purchase any flattening stone so i'm open to suggestions.

thank you!

Hi Joseph

The Pro Shaptons are good stones, but I only like the 1000 grit. I prefer the Sigma 6000 and 13000 to fill out the range. These are flattened with a Shapton diamond stone, which I have had for 10 years. Before then I used a DMT Extra Coarse (in the duo format).

There are other alternatives, stones that do not need flattening - none, zip ... well, maybe once a year. The stones I use most of the time are two ceramic Spyderco (2"x8" Medium and Ultra Fine).The Spydercos are hard and retain their flatness like oilstones, but are worked dry. Spyderco do not say what the grits are, but they are reputed to be 1500-2000 and 6000-8000, respectively (it would not surprise me if the Ultra Fine is about 10000 as it leaves a mirror finish).

Even more important than honing is the decision to use a secondary bevel or create a microbevel on a hollow grind. I hollow grind as I can freehand on this, and find it the fastest and most efficient way to create and maintain a sharp edge. Consequently, my emphasis is first placed on creating the hollow grind, and to this end I highly recommend CBN wheels on a dry grinder. This can safely grind a blade to the edge (as can a Tormek). Once this is possible, the flatness of a stone becomes much less important, as does using the "best" stone around (however, the stones mentioned above are excellent).

If you prefer a secondary bevel using a honing guide, then stone flatness is an issue, and I would recommend the Pro Shapton/Sigma system above along with a good diamond stone (not the Shapton I use as it is expensive and unnecessary - I picked one up at a sale).

Regards from Perth

Derek