Thread: DMT 1200 Use

Does anyone here use the DMT 1200 to set bevels?

I just don't hear much talk about the DMT 1200. So, am curious on whether you have used the DMT 1200, and am especially interested whether anyone uses the DMT 1200 as their primary hone to set bevels.

Including the StraightRazorDesigns link below just for information for those unfamiliar with the DMT 1200. Not to advertise for them...

DMT 8 Dia-Sharp® Continuous Diamond Extra Fine - 1200 - $43.99 : Straight Razor Designs, The Finest In Gentlemens Shaving And Grooming Needs

I have heard of other members using this stone to set bevels, though I cant recall who it was at the moment. It may have been JimmyHAD who mentioned it...?

I cant think of a reason why you couldnt use one though! Its the right grit, and you know the stones are guaranteed flat so I'd have thought it would be a good stone to use.

I have the DMT 325 which I have used a couple of times for major edge repair and to lap my Shaptons and it works great. I really like it, and if it ever wore out I'd replace it in a flash.

Hopefully someone who uses the 1200 will advise further..!

I use the Naniwa Superstone 1K and am happy with it. But, like you StuBear, I can't think of a reason why the DMT 1200 couldn't be used. But, the silence (I think) on its use might imply there is a reason not to use. Will wait for more responses.

Well.. No reason it cant be used. It does leave some deeper scratches though and I have heard some razors are prone to microchipping.

I have a dmt 600 i use sometimes , then move onto my naniwa 1k.

Originally Posted by LarryAndro

I use the Naniwa Superstone 1K and am happy with it. But, like you StuBear, I can't think of a reason why the DMT 1200 couldn't be used. But, the silence (I think) on its use might imply there is a reason not to use. Will wait for more responses.

I have used it on some extra tough stainless or for initial removal of chips. It can be more abrasive than I like for regular bevel setting on razors and I would go to a Naniwa 1k or Shapton pro 2k once I had achieved the results I was looking for with the 1200 DMT.

Originally Posted by Slartibartfast

[The DMT 1200] does leave some deeper scratches though and I have heard some razors are prone to microchipping.

I understand microchipping being a possible negative. But, any scratches left by the 1200 should have long ago disappeared by the 12K I would think. But, the proof is in the pudding... the microscope would tell the tale.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

It can be more abrasive than I like for regular bevel setting...

JimmyHAD, if you went from the DMT 1200 to the next grit, say 3K and continued your sequence, what would happen? Do you believe that the scratches left by the diamond in the DMT 1200 would still be evident after the 12K?

Originally Posted by LarryAndro

JimmyHAD, if you went from the DMT 1200 to the next grit, say 3K and continued your sequence, what would happen? Do you believe that the scratches left by the diamond in the DMT 1200 would still be evident after the 12K?

I'm sure the scratches would be long since gone. OTOH, the micro chipping can be a problem depending on the blade .....IME. I bought my DMT 1200 before it came out that you shouldn't use it to lap waterstones. I have a set of Nortons at work so that I can hone when things are slow if I choose to.

I kept the 1200 there to lap my Norton 1k, 4k and 8k. In lapping the 4k I noticed a gray residue would be left on the white stone. This was the nickel plate being worn off of course. Luckily for me around that time Sham posted that he had ruined his 1200 using it to flatten waterstones so I ceased using it for that. Rather than being ruined mine was well broken in.

Point being, even with the wear suffered from the little bit of lapping I did with it the 1200 is still a very aggressive bevel setter and may cause micro chips on some edges. I always follow it with the naniwa or the shapton pro 1 or 2k whenever I use it. I'm not suggesting that has to be done. Others may have a different experience but that is mine.

The DMT 1200 sets bevels very quickly (and beautifully, in my experience) but it leaves deep scratches. I have never found these scratches much of a problem; my Belgian Blue takes them out in a hurry. But a recent thread suggests significant variation in BBWs and I may well have a very fast one.

Some people simply don't like the feel of honing on DMTs (a bit like nails on a blackboard) and I can understand this. I don't either but it does the trick.

The DMT 1200 was one of the most common bevel-setters on this forum until about a year or so ago. I think it was basically around the time the Naniwas were debuting and getting great press. I've never tried the Naniwa 1K but apparently it's also very fast like the DMT but leaves shallow scratches, and just "feels right" for razors in a way that the DMT doesn't. It doesn't hurt that Lynn loves the Naniwa series and sells them for a great price on his site.

Someone who used to use the DMT for bevels but has since moved on – and there seem to be many here that fit that description – would be best placed to answer your question. All I can say is that the DMT 1200 is for me an ugly, noisy, aggressive hone that nevertheless does the job and does it well.

Originally Posted by dylandog

The DMT 1200 was one of the most common bevel-setters on this forum until about a year or so ago. I think it was basically around the time the Naniwas were debuting and getting great press. I've never tried the Naniwa 1K but apparently it's also very fast like the DMT but leaves shallow scratches, and just "feels right" for razors in a way that the DMT doesn't.

That bit of history is interesting!

I use the Naniwa Superstone 1K, and just ordered the DMT 1200. It will be interesting to compare.