We’ve recently introduced custom-sized Spyderco Medium, Fine, and Ultra Fine stones in 1×4″ and 1×6″ for different sharpening systems. While seemingly minor, this sparked a friendly challenge rooted in the historical belief that the Fine and UF stones were essentially identical, differing only in their surface finishes. My perspective, however, leans towards the idea that although they’re made of the same materials and formulated similarly, the disparity lies in the grit size, with Fine around 2K and UF around 4K, explaining their varied finishes and pricing.
The challenge? To distinguish between five Fine and Ultra Fine Spyderco stones. The stakes were set high – a wager involving Russian Vodka versus Kinmen Kaoliang. Both theories have their merits; surface finishes on natural stones like quartz can affect scratch depth and, consequently, the resulting finish. My position, though, revolves around the notion that despite surface textures, the scratches produced under the scope yield similar results, provided no other abrasives interfere.
The test began with five stones received from Konstantin, with the challenge to identify at least one Fine and one UF among them. My initial thickness test hinted that Stones 2 and 5 were Fine, and 1, 3, and 4 were UF. However, foreseeing this, I couldn’t definitively choose.
Enter the scope examination. At 20x magnification, Stones 1, 2, 4, and 5 seemed Fine, while Stone 3 appeared UF. But anticipating my move, Konstantin altered surface finishes. At 200x, results shifted, indicating Stones 1, 3, 4, and 5 as Fine and Stone 2 as UF, making the selection even more perplexing.
To level the field, we lapped all stones again. Yet, the 200x results persisted, marking Stones 1, 2, 3, and 5 as Fine, and 2 and 4 as UF, intensifying the challenge.
The ultimate scratch test ensued, revealing Stones 2, 3, and 5 as Fine, and Stones 1 and 4 as UF – a deviation from previous findings.
In conclusion, my discernment indicates Stones 2, 3, and 5 as Fine, and Stones 1 and 4 as UF. It was a challenging test, but a fun one nonetheless. I’ll share the exact grit information from Konstantin when revealed. Nonetheless, it’s a relief – better than engaging in a land war in Asia! Cheers, it’s time for a drink! Inconceivable!
