Thread: DMT W4EE 3 micron 8,000 mesh

DMT W4EE 3 micron 8,000 mesh
Dimensions: 4 1/3” x 7/8” x 3/16”; 3.8 sq. in. of working surface
Price, at post time: U.S. $24.99

This is a small, light, and flat pocket sized hone. I've been using it for about a month now. Testing was done on more than 6 different razors. All razors were vintage and had rougher-than-new edges. 2 razors were specially selected because they were warped. The DMT's were carefully broken in on the very hard Spyderco F and UF.

All edges/bevels were first set using a W4E 1200 mesh. The W4EE was then used on all razors.

There were no surprises and the W4EE worked quite well, especially so on the concave warped surfaces. Edges from the W4EE seemed even better than those from a D8EE. I suspect the very light weight of the W4EE "forces" 2 things:

• a lighter, more even stroke because of better feel through the hone-to-hand, and
• the hone conforms/self-centers itself to the razor's edge (also due to the weight issue).

W4EE vs. D8EE (3.8 sq. in. versus 24 sq.in.): at less than 1/6th the surface area, I expected the W4EE to take at least 3 times longer to hone an edge. After testing, I estimate just less than twice my normal x-stroke count. Apparently my normal x-stroke uses nowhere near the D8EE's 24 sq. in. in one stroke, whereas the razor uses nearly all of the W4EE's 3.8 sq. in. The D8EE often removes DMT 1200 striations in 20 laps or less. I find the W4EE does the same in 30 to 45 laps, depending on the individual razor.

I found the length long enough to work comfortably. A short period of adjustment might be required if you are used to longer hones. If you've ever used a barber hone, the length will not be a problem. By comparison, a No. 00 Frictionite barber's hone is only 1/32" longer.

This is a very nice 3 micron solution for those who are on a budget, or just want a small and efficient honing set-up. The W4E, W4EE, and a flat barber hone or other finisher would make a functional honing set for under $50 + the cost of the finisher.

How long will they last? I've been carrying a DMT WMF 600 in my back pocket for over 22 years now (made using the same processes as the W4E and EE). I have restitched the leather case once (it really does need a new leather case now). I have sharpened thousands of knives, tooling, small woodworking tools, and some razors on it. The hone has been soaking wet, sat on a lot, and traveled with me across the country dozens of times. It still cuts and is still flat. I can't answer the question until I break, or wear out, one. It's the red hone in my current avatar.

I started to use the W4E and W4EE hones as a pair, strictly for testing purposes. I like, and use, the W4EE a lot more than I thought I would. After the first week, they found their way into a pencil box that I keep my favorite razors in....compact, durable, light, functional, low maintenance; what's not to like?

Thanks for the review Sticky. I have the DMT D4F and D4E and have found the two bullet points you made to be true for them as well. I find that even if your stroke wanders off slightly, the hone kind of tilts in your hand to compensate. I also found your second picture almost like an epiphany. I never thought of holding these hones this way before, and I find it very comfortable and easy to use in this manner. Thank you so much for that. The main problem with the D4F and D4E is that the underside is shiny smooth and it is very hard to keep it from slipping around. I had to stick some rubber to the bottom of mine to help with that. I may even buy a W8EE now, if I can find anywhere that sells them in the UK, or even the EU.

Connor

Originally Posted by Rosco

...
The main problem with the D4F and D4E is that the underside is shiny smooth and it is very hard to keep it from slipping around. I had to stick some rubber to the bottom of mine to help with that.
...
Connor

That's another thing that I like about the W4EE. If the razor makes the hone slide on my hand (on the finishing laps), then I'm using too much pressure.

I haven't used the D4 series yet and suspect the bottom of them might be a bit more slippery then the W4's.

Great observation btw, thanks.

Originally Posted by Rosco

I may even buy a W8EE now, if I can find anywhere that sells them in the UK, or even the EU.

Connor

I had no luck here in OZ so I bit the bullet & ordered a W4EE online from DMT.

I like my D4's too but have decided on using my stone holder. I don't trust myself as much as I thought