To start the new year, I delved into our selection of Suehiro stones designed for the KME Sharpener. Employing the GC 180 and R 1K Suehiro stones, I undertook a restoration journey with a severely dull and neglected blade, taking a minimalist approach. The outcome speaks volumes, proving that economical stone alternatives can yield remarkably respectable edges. In the world of choices between Good, Fast, or Cheap, wise selections make all the difference.
Given that the Suehiro stones are waterstones, a preliminary soaking is essential, particularly for their first use. These stones thrive on water and should not be used with oil. A small container of water suffices for their hydration needs. While the GC 180 tends to be thirstier and the R 1K might bubble momentarily, I usually add a small capful of soap or bleach to maintain sanitation and counter any impurities from tap water.
As the stones soaked, I readied the knife on the KME. Using an aged Herder Reed Knife, essentially a hollow ground razor, I aligned the spine with the initial line on the KME jaws, ensuring symmetrical positioning since there are no flats for the jaws to grasp.
Setting the angle, dictated by the narrow blade’s limitations, positioned the stones just clearing the jaws, settling at around 25 degrees. Transitioning to the Suehiro GC 180 in the KME handle, I utilized the unmarked side of the stones to maintain clarity in marking over time.
With the Suehiro GC 180, approximately 200 strokes per side commenced, with periodic spritzes of water for consistency. The coarse nature of the 180 stone aids in swift progress but causes it to dish, a common trait among coarse grits. To manage this, ideally, using a belt sander or an XX-Coarse diamond KME stone initially to set the bevel is advisable, followed by the 180 to refine the transition to the 1K.
Post-GC 180, the razor showed a jagged but defined edge, ready for the next step: the Suehiro R 1K. I switched to the R 1K after the GC 180 residue was cleared, employing the sharpie trick to gauge the stone’s height. The R 1K aims to remove the 180 grit scratches and refine the edge, progressing from scrubbing strokes to a pyramid technique for a more controlled burr buildup.
Upon inspection under the scope, the results were impressive. The subsequent step involved lapping the stones, essential for Waterstone upkeep and precision sharpening, using a diamond plate to restore flatness.
Remarkably, the heavily dished GC 180 stone regained normalcy, showcasing a gradual difference between coarser and finer grits over time. Conversely, the R 1K displayed minimal signs of dishing and required only a few strokes per position for a clean finish.
The entire process, including sharpening, lapping, photography, and microscope analysis, took approximately 30 minutes, with actual sharpening lasting about 10 minutes. The Suehiro GC 180 and Suehiro R 1K offer a no-frills yet highly respectable and cost-effective progression for the KME Sharpener, available along with other quality stones on our website.
