Sharpening stones and strops

[BigShot]

I've been thinking about getting a Falkniven DC4 stone for sharpening duty.
http://www.ee33.co.uk/product.asp?s...ecord=0&P_ID=526&CAT_ID=0&numRecordPosition=1

Has anyone used these?

Am I right in thinking they don't need water or oil on them? (The idea of having a dry stone appeals to me, especially in cold weather where I believe there's some risk of freezing that can result in damage)

How do they compare to something like a Japanese whetstone? (of the sort you immerse in water for a while and (if desired) use a negura stone on)

If using one of the Falkniven stones, is there another stone needed at any point or is it just rough, smooth, strop?


Finally - where to get a strop, how much to pay, and what sort (if there's a difference) to get?

 

[dwardo]

I love my DC4, well i did until i dropped it onto a hard floor and the ceramic side snapped in half I still use it though !
I would say its good for micro bevels etc but for a full flat or a scandi grind its a bit of a pain. I find i can get a blade upto shaving sharp with only this stone and a quick strop. Worth every penny when in the woods, however if you are after a perfect finish then it has to be wetstones.
PS I used the DC4 dry.

 

[MartiniDave]

I have a DC4 and use it quite a lot. I find it to be a very quick and convenient sharpener.
That said I use it mainly for sharpening pocket knives and axes. I will "touch up" the larger knives on the DC4 in the field, but prefer waterstones and strops to properly sharpen mora's and other bushies at home.

Dave

 

[British Red]

The best budget priced large sharpener out there is the four part diamond hone in B&Q - 200, 300, 400 and 600 grit in a 6" bench block, with a stand for £9. I still use waterstones for finishing but its a bargain in my book

Red

 

[BigShot]

British Red - is 600 not a bit coarse for a final stone? I've never used a stone before, but had heard people talking about grits numbered in the thousands.


Dave - So if I was only going to get one stone and carry it in the field, would you say a DC4 was a good choice? I'll probably get a japanese water stone at some point, but for now am thinking about something to carry with me and use at home before then.


Dwardo - when you say it can be a bit of a pain - how do you mean? I'll be after a perfect finish, and will get a waterstone at some point in the nearish future, but for now this would be my only stone.

 

[dwardo]

It can be a pain if its your only stone due to its size. If we are talkin about a little touch up, micro bevel edges, axes its fine. However if you want a lovely polished finish on something like a scandi grind you need a bench stone wether that be water or oil. I use a japanese water stone at home 1000/6000 i think ? was from axminster online. When out and about you can use a DC4 but its hard work and without the finer grades of waterstones etc you wont get that even polished finish. Its all about compromise ...............

 

[British Red]

British Red - is 600 not a bit coarse for a final stone? I've never used a stone before, but had heard people talking about grits numbered in the thousands.


Dave - So if I was only going to get one stone and carry it in the field, would you say a DC4 was a good choice? I'll probably get a japanese water stone at some point, but for now am thinking about something to carry with me and use at home before then.


Dwardo - when you say it can be a bit of a pain - how do you mean? I'll be after a perfect finish, and will get a waterstone at some point in the nearish future, but for now this would be my only stone.

BS - 600 is finer than you might think but yes, thats why I use waterstones to finish. If you don't want all that expense, just gloe a 1,000 grit piece of wet & dry to a board on finish on that - good enough for Mors Kochanski!

 

[MartiniDave]

BigShot,

Yes, for a stone to carry in the field I reckon the DC4 is hard to beat. The DC3 is too small for my tastes. I always have my leather belt too if I should feel the need for stropping.

Dave

 

[BigShot]

BR...
Despite the fact I'm familiar with the now famous "scary sharp" method for honing a plane iron, I hadn't even thought of wet and dry.
Maybe a wooden block (square section, about the size of a proper stone on each side) with 4 grades of W&D paper with some temporary glue on each would make a very useful field and bench "stone".
Might have to give that a crack. It'll certainly be nice and cheap!


Dwardo - sounds like a DC4 is what I want then. I suppose it'll suffice for bench sharpening until I get something more substantial (especially if combined with a fine wet and dry like BR suggested) and can then be used exclusively for touch ups in the field.


Dave - I thought the DC3 looked a bit small actually. Wasn't really considering that as long as I could get the DC4 - even that's not what I'd call big so easy enough to carry anyway I think.
It's the rough side of a leather belt you use for stropping yea? Ever thought to put a bit of honing paste on a belt? Maybe a bit on the loose end?

 

[MartiniDave]

I think the person who does my laundry (Bless Her) would object somewhat to stropping paste getting off my belt and onto my trousers. Its bad enough bits or old tinder from the pockets accumulating in the washing machine & tumble drier!

If you go round car boots and markets its worth keeping your eyes open, not so long ago I picked up a razor strop in good condition for about 50p, all it needed was the handle re-stitching to be as good as new. New price on that would be around £30!

British Red has done some excellent posts on sharpening kits if I remember correctly, well worth a look.

Dave

 

[BigShot]

Cheers Dave.
I'll look for those threads.
Good point on the paste.

For tinder - I just picked up a few "stubbi" pouches for free. I had a feeling they'd be great for small amounts of tinder... in fact I don't smoke, so that's the only reason I got them.
I got the camo one.
http://www.stubbi.co.uk/uk/index.php?page=display_prods&cat=1&loc=uk

 

[Bernie Garland]

If you don't mind a minute secondary bevel,you can't beat one these.not this one though the one's with the pear shaped hole at the top

http://cgi.ebay.com/SCHRADE-OLD-TIMER-HONESTEEL-NEAR-MINT-CONDITION_W0QQitemZ260303641364QQihZ016QQcategoryZ48817QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Bernie

 

[Shewie]

I think the DC4 is just to carry in the field incase it`s needed. I`ve never felt the need to sharpen a blade when I`m out on a trip though, it can always wait until I get home.

I have one of Reds` £5 sharpening kits which is just sat doing nothing now I have my waterstones. It`s been used once, there`s 240, 400 & 600 on there. If you`re interested Bigshot PM me your addy and I`ll send them over the hill to you, call it an early xmas pressie.