Confused about diamond / ceramic sharpener grades??

[masongary44]

I generally use 3 grades of water stone, 650 (not very often), 2000, 6000 (and finish with the Starkie). Taking into consideration the numerous threads on this subject i want to get a diamond / ceramic "stone" that i can use while out in the middle of nowhere.....

When i have looked at the grading for ceramic and diamond (i think i would prefer ceramic as diamond seems to be a bit harsh......) they do not seem to relate to the grit sizes used to describe water stones....

What should I buy to closest match my 2000, 6000 combination???

If anyone can give me a specific recommendation for a device that is robust (i heard ceramics can be a bit fragile) and good size (i don't want to have to lug round something as big as my water stones) i would be extremely grateful.

:biggthump

 

[jakunen]

Can't remember the grades but for my money you can't beat the DC4 that Stuart sells.

Credit card sized, diamond and saphire sides, leather case you can use as a mini strop.
SUperb bit of kit. (Think its about time he gave me some commision for all the times I've recommended his kit...)

 

[JakeR]

Yeah but if you already reap the rewards of the starkie then you shouldn't want to use a secod rate strop...unless of course you enjoy the challenge

I have a DC4 and it is one of the most versatile little stone i can think of. Another possibility is a small waterstone from axminster/trekdirect.com...

The diamond side is very rough, and the ceramic is also a bit agressive too, but i find a small waterstone, DC4 and starkie covers all situtions...

:biggthump

 

[masongary44]

Cool, where do i find "Stuarts" site?? so i can go take a look......

I am a bt wary of using anything too agressive... although for the most part, the Starkie usually does the trick....

 

[Adi007]

Cool, where do i find "Stuarts" site?? so i can go take a look......

I am a bt wary of using anything too agressive... although for the most part, the Starkie usually does the trick....

www.thetradingpost.co.uk/

 

[masongary44]

Bloomin' 'eck that was a quick response... now where did i put my wallet....

Thanks again...

 

[Hoodoo]

I have the DC3 which is a great piece of kit. There are quite a few other options as well. Here's a pic of some small sharpeners.

From left to right:

Norton India Stone - gives a great toothy edge

Fallkniven DC3 - excellent for the reasons mentioned above

DMT Diamond Mini-Sharp - DMT makes the best diamond stones out there imo. Easy to use because the holes reduce clogging and buildup as you sharpen so sharpening is smoother

GATCO Tri-Seps - does large and small serrations, fish hooks, and can be held at a fairly consistent angle to sharpen secondary bevels easily

Lansky Mini Dog Bone Crock Stick - handy and light

Stanley Sanding eraser - the easiest way to clean ceramics, not to mention great for removing rust from a knife. Cut a hunk off and throw it in with your kit.

A hard Arkansas stone - great for honing and maintaining a fine edge

 

[masongary44]

You really are kit-o-holic arn't you Hoodoo

I tried a mini sponge based sanding block as an alternative to the Hoodoo hone once, not very sucessful... the tip about using it to clean the DC3/4 is one i will go for though...

I ordered a DC4 last night, aparently with use the ceramic site smothes out a bit making it less course... I will have to spend some time on it with my £10 mora knife before I start shreading metal off my Woodlore...

Is there some way to prep a ceramic, in the same way you would use a Nagura stone on a fine water stone to help with the polished edge effect??

 

[Hoodoo]

Is there some way to prep a ceramic, in the same way you would use a Nagura stone on a fine water stone to help with the polished edge effect??

Not that I know of. Just keep them clean with scouring powder and water or that ereaser above. They are very hard and do not wear down like a waterstone. I have crocksticks I bought back in the 70s that function as good as the day I bought them.