So I am writing this thread in my quest of “the ultimate stone that cuts really fast but doesn’t leave deep scratches” lol (probably not possible, but still!). See, I really like the 50/80s but they do put huge scratches in your bevel that seem to take a while to get out, and even with that being the case, I would still like something a little faster. am I on my own on this or do others feel the same way? I am not looking down on the current stones and set up at all, I am just always looking forward! 😛
So in Cliff’s thread we got to discussing stones. Cliff recommended that I check out Stu’s recommendation on stones. I figured this needed it’s own thread. so first, the quote from that other thread (not on this site):
Schtoo wrote:
The Shapton #120 is similar to the King you have, soft and very friable. Works well enough, but it won’t last long.
The Shapton #220 is too hard to be effective with anything hard unless you raise a slurry first. Even then, I’m not a fan. It just doesn’t work.
Shapton GS #120 is again, too hard. It’s the right stuff, but too hard and won’t cut properly on anything really hard. Normal steel, it’ll probably be ok but I’ve not got the temperament to deal with stones that need excessive attention. It’ll be ok for knives, maybe.
Shapton GS #320 isn’t bad, but it’s thin and won’t last long.
Shapton GS #500 is pretty good, but it’s also thin and won’t last long.
Suehiro Cerax #300 is very fast, good dish resistance, cheap and BIG.
Suehiro Gokumyo-Ryu #300 is dual density. One side is a softer version of the other, hard side. Very fast, works with everything well. The hard side doesn’t dish and works very well to clean up after the soft side. Because it covers both bases, it’s not compromised but it’s seriously expensive.
Sigma #120 is a monster, but it’s also very coarse and not ideal for blade backs. Grinding bevels, it’s good.
Sigma Select II #240 is rather soft, very fast but it’s slightly harder than most in this grit range and much better for it.
Sigma #400 works very well for both bevel and blade backs. Doesn’t dish very much, isn’t the fastest but can be made to work faster if needed and easily.
Beston #500 isn’t bad but it’s a very ‘dry’ feeling stone. It’s not bad, but I’m not a fan.
Naniwa Superstone #220 is too slow and soft. Just not good enough, but if you got stuck with one it’ll work. Not recommended.
Naniwa Chosera #400 is very smooth, works well enough but is outclassed by half the other stones mentioned.
King #300 is very hard, but with slurry on it (need to create it) it works well and isn’t too expensive. Good for blade backs, less so for bevels and rehabbing.
Anything else I have is either not commercially available and good or really substandard and I won’t give them a mention.
What’s I’ve written there is a list of what I have and have used, and is written about because it’s been mentioned or because they’re good.
Sergey, good luck with that stone.
Stu.
so I am thinking that the Sigma Select II #240 looks rather interesting based upon what he said about it. All that being said, does anyone know if a waterjet cutting service could cut one of these stones up into 1″ x 5.5″ sections for us to use on the WEPS paddles? Does anyone have any connections to get this done?
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