How to Use Diamond Sharpening Systems
Diamond sharpening stones and tools use diamond dust to sharpen steel, and they do so rapidly and effectively. Diamond systems can handle carbide steel, which is resistant to sharpening with whetstones. A diamond sharpening system consists of several grades or grits, as does sandpaper. Diamond Machining Technology (DMT) offered the first consumer-available diamond sharpening system, and grades its stones from extra-extra coarse (120 grit) to extra-extra fine (8,000 mesh). Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Match the grit to the job. Proceed by using a coarse grit, then repeat sharpening with increasingly finer grits. DMT offers these tips:
Use extra-extra coarse (120 grit) to flatten bench stones, or in place of power grinding of very dull edges.
Use extra coarse (220 grit) to remove metal on damaged tools like chisels, and to sharpen heavy-duty tools like axes and lawn mower blades.
Use coarse (325 grit) to restore a dull cutting edge, for example, on a pair of scissors, clippers, or for a beginning edge on a knife.
Use fine (600 grit) to restore a fine edge to a knife that is slightly dull. DMT advises that this is the all-
purpose sharpener for a good many users (including chefs).Use extra fine (1,200 grit) for razors and other precision edges; generally overkill for most users.
Use extra-extra fine (8,000 mesh) for a high polish.
-
2
Wet the sharpener with a dab of water---oil is unnecessary---and sharpen as usual.
Lead with the cutting edge of the knife or tool, stroking away from the body, and turning the blade over between each stroke. Use light strokes; a heavy stroke is unnecessary on a diamond sharpener, compared to a whetstone. -
-
3
Maintain a 30-degree sharpening angle for coarser chopping tools, like axes and lawnmower blades. Maintain a 25-degree angle for meat cleavers and chopping knives, and a 20-degree angle for most knives.
-
4
Rinse the sharpeners with water after every use to remove the metal residues. Use a toothbrush or nylon scrub brush with a kitchen abrasive after every few uses. Dry the sharpeners well before putting them away.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Twice as hard is not twice as good; a heavy stroke on a diamond sharpener will not give you a sharper edge, but it will remove more metal.
Several diamond sharpeners, DMT included, offer aligner guides, which maintain a consistent angle.
A diamond sharpening system is the most expensive free-hand sharpening system available, up to 20 times the cost of a whetstone. Still, as "Popular Science" once observed, "That's not cheap, but these stones are a lifetime investment." They will not wear or chip as a whetstone or ceramic rod can do.
