BladeForums Thread:
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There is a lot of information, some misinformation, and a lot of opinions that contradict each other.
I would start by classifying the stones into:
1. Gross Material Removal
2. Shaping
3. Preparing The Apex
4. Apexing
Then select stones that can either cut selected steels or all steels. I think this is often emphasized more than needed, as most stones will cut most steels.
Price is another factor. For a cheap setup that can cut most steels, I would select a XC Scythe Stone/Combo Crystolon or India, a King 1k, and for finishing (polished edge) either a pocket Soft/Black/Translucent Arkansas , Spyderco M/F/UF Triangle Rod, DMT EF,EEF, and for a coarse edge, Fine India, C/F DMT.
For a fixed angle setup, the DMT Aligner, the Lansky or Gatco clamp systems if you are on a budget. If you have a little more money to spend, the Spyderco Sharpmaker with CBN or Diamond rods, Edge Pro Apex, KME, or Wicked Edge would be a good choice.
[www.bladeforums.com]
There is a lot of information, some misinformation, and a lot of opinions that contradict each other.
I would start by classifying the stones into:
1. Gross Material Removal
2. Shaping
3. Preparing The Apex
4. Apexing
Then select stones that can either cut selected steels or all steels. I think this is often emphasized more than needed, as most stones will cut most steels.
Price is another factor. For a cheap setup that can cut most steels, I would select a XC Scythe Stone/Combo Crystolon or India, a King 1k, and for finishing (polished edge) either a pocket Soft/Black/Translucent Arkansas , Spyderco M/F/UF Triangle Rod, DMT EF,EEF, and for a coarse edge, Fine India, C/F DMT.
For a fixed angle setup, the DMT Aligner, the Lansky or Gatco clamp systems if you are on a budget. If you have a little more money to spend, the Spyderco Sharpmaker with CBN or Diamond rods, Edge Pro Apex, KME, or Wicked Edge would be a good choice.