Japanese Waterstones and M390

A

APB9785

Gold Member
Joined
Apr 28, 2023
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I currently have two types of stones - DMT Diasharp and Naniwa Chosera. So far, using the Chosera is a much nicer experience, because even though it takes longer to raise a burr, I can apply pressure down onto the blade to target specific areas. I don't use any pressure with the DMT because I'm worried about damaging the stone. Since I'm just starting out, I'm sharpening less expensive knives in D2 and S35VN. However, all the "nicer" knives seem to use M390 steel nowadays. Will I still be able to use the Naniwa for those?

I'm concerned that I will continue to develop a strong preference (and technique) for the waterstones, but not be able to use them for any of my most carried knives. Should I expand my DMT collection and start focusing on diamond stone technique instead? Or am I underestimating the potential of the waterstones?
 
Well most waterstones use aluminum oxide for the abrasive, so that won't work for M390 or other high vanadium steels.
There is the option of Naniwa or Gesshin diamond water stones. Slower than your standard diamond plate, but they feel better.
 
It will work, but you probably won't get as good an edge with standard water stones, and it will be more time consuming and use up your stones more than necessary. I would use diamond or similar personally.
 
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