I use the standard progression beginning with the 400/600’s, then 800/1000’s. My “fill the gap” solution is to use 12/9 micron film on glass blocks instead of the 1200/1600 ceramics. 12/9 works out to 1200/1800 grit and I think it’s much more uniform than the ceramics. Then I’ll do the 1.4/0.6 ceramics or I’ll go to 6/3 micron film on glass.
I don’t have any stones below 100/200. And I won’t go near an edge with them. The chips they can cause can cost you hours of work to stone out with your 400’s.
For EDC blades, I’m currently using the scalpel format: 400, 600, 800 (maybe 1000’s too), then strop one side with the 5/3.5 pastes at two degrees less angle. Makes for a very sharp, toothy edge. I haven’t yet had a chance to try it with film on glass.
Like Gib, I’m a fan of putting on a toothy micro bevel. Polish both sides at 18 degrees, then give three alternating light strokes with 1000’s at 20-21 degrees.
Excellent info. Thanks for this!
I would like to try doing a micro bevel… My EDC knife is a spyderco paramilitary 2. Do you think the angles you just mentioned would be good for this blade (given it’s standard EDC use)?
Again, sorry if these are dumb questions. I’m new to this and trying to soak up all the information I can.
