Going back to water stones

[Suffolkrafter]

When I first learnt to sharpen I scalloped my 1000/6000 water stones and did great insult to my knives. I ended up giving up on the water stones and moved to a combination of an old diamond stone and my dc4 followed by stropping. I can now get a reliable, more or less razor edge with this system.

But I'm thinking of levelling the water stone and using it if for no other reason than to conquer something I had previously struggled with. I was wondering, how would the dc4 fit alongside the 1000/6000 stone? Would there be a benefit to using the dc4 between the 6000 and stropping stages, or would this do more harm than good, or be a pointless step?

 

[JonathanD]

I personally wouldn’t bother. Seems like an unnecessary step. I think I use 800, 1200 and 6000 grit. Never needed a step in between the 1200 and 6000. And to be honest, some people don‘t bother with the 6000.

 

[Murat_Cyp]

To my knowledge diamond side of the DC 4 is coarser than 1000 grid and the ceramic side should sit well in between 1000 and 6000. So, I would say yes, definitely give it a try. The following progression might give you a good result;

DC4 Diamond, 1000 grid, DC 4 ceramic, 6000 grid.

If you do not have a flatting stone for the wetstone, you can try flatting it by using the diamond side of the DC4. It may take a while, but given that it is not worn out, it should get you there.

 

[Suffolkrafter]

Thank you, your answers give me a good idea of how they compare. General googling did not provide a clear picture. I think I've been doing myself a disservice by abandoning the water stones and missing out on the 6000. I've levelled them effectively with my old diamond stone. Time to get practicing

 

[henchy3rd]

Outdoorsman & joiner here with over 30 years experience of sharps.(more chisels I must add).
Keep away from the block sharpeners with 4 sides.. utter useless.
If it works why change it, for once I’ve found this not true..
For old school sharpening methods of stone & strop is an art at best & very rewarding when done right. There’s definitely something about the sound of metal running over a stone..however the stone will hollow over time so will need flattening off.
But..
I’ve now opted for an expensive diamond sharpener with two sides(£100 & mainly for work))so easy to use with chisels & knives.. fast, effective & cuts like butter.
Basically like the DC4 but much bigger.
Always use a strop & paste to remove minute burs.(leather belt will do in the woods).