Ask the Staff

Question: I like to sharpen with diamond stones. I find they require little if any maintenance, and I can take them out of the shop without fear of damaging them. The only problem I have is that I can’t get as fine an edge with my diamond stones as I can with my waterstones. Is there any product out there like a diamond stone that will give me a honed edge?

Answer: Good news - DMT has just come out with an Extra-Extra Fine Diamond Stone (125531) as part of their Dia-Sharp series. The 3-micron grading makes this stone similar in performance to a hard Arkansas, a 6000-grit waterstone or an extra-fine ceramic stone, plus there's no break in period. It's ready to go right out of the box.

The monocrystalline diamond abrasive is bonded to a solid steel plate which measures 11-1/2" x 2-1/2" x 3/8" thick. Because it won't chip, crack or dish out, it may well be the ultimate jobsite toolbox stone. Diamond stones can be used wet or dry, but for best results lubricate with soapy water. Occasionally scrub the surface with a scouring powder to unclog the surface.