1, STONE SET UP
Before Start Sharpening
TO ACHIEVE THE PERFECT EDGE, START WITH A FLAT STONE SURFACE
When sharpening knives, it's crucial to ensure the surface of the whetstone is flat. Irregular whetstones can cause uneven wear, reducing their lifespan. It's important to regularly flatten the surface to maintain optimal sharpness.
A flat whetstone ensures even contact with the blade, preventing uneven sharpening and potential dull spots or inconsistent sharpness. Using a flat whetstone allows for efficient and uniform sharpening in a shorter time, extending the lifespan of the whetstone. It also stabilizes the blade angle, helping to maintain sharpness over time.
WHAT YOU NEED
- Diamond Stone, NSK Kogyo
- Flattener for Diamond Stone, NSK Kogyo
- Wetstone stand
- Clean Water
HOW TO STONE SET UP
Before beginning make sure all essential tools/items are laid out.
1, Clean with Water:
Thoroughly wash with water not only stone but all the tools for sharpening. This water washing process prevents new scratches from forming on your blades. Especially when using a fine grit stone, there may be rough grit from a previously used stone lurking somewhere. Wash the entire tool with clean water. (NSK Kogyo sharpening stones do not need soaking beforehand.)
2, Flatten the Stone:
Once the stone is set on the sharpening stand, flatten the surface with a flattener. NSK Kogyo provides a special flattening tool for diamond stones. After the flatteners are also washed clean with water, rub the surface of the stone several times fully with the flatteners. You can also use a pencil until you get used to it. Remember to round the corners of the stone as well. When you are done flattening, wash the stone and flatten again with water.
3. Metate is essential for rough-grained stones
Metate (目立て) is the process of reviving the abrasive power of a Diamond stone. Komon highly recommends doing Metate to remove clogged particles and restore the grinding power unique to a diamond stone!
Please review the steps below for instructions on how to Metate.
Once you've reached this point, preparation is complete. Let's begin sharpening the blade!
KEY POINT
- Instead of focusing on one spot on the stone, use the entire surface to prevent excessive wear.
- If you're using a coarse grit and notice a decrease in polishing power, try the following Metate below
RECOMMENDATION FLATTENER FOR EACH GRIT DIAMOND STONE
The following particle sizes are recommended for flattener
Flattener
# 200 : #200 - 1500 diamond stone
# 400 : #400 - 1500 diamond stone
# 600 : #1500 - 6000 diamond stone
#1000 : #1000 - 6000 diamond stone, Natural Stone
#3000 : #3000+ diamond stone, Natural Stone
#6000 : #6000+ diamond stone, Natural Stone
