1 |
Extremely Coarse - Fastest metal removal, leaves very visible scratches in cutting edge. |
100+ Micron |
Extra Extra Coarse Diamond,
Coarse Crystolon |
2 |
Coarse - Very fast metal removal, leaves visible scratches in cutting edge. Most coarse stones commonly available. |
60-100 Micron |
Extra Coarse Diamond, Coarse India, 220 Grit Waterstone |
3 |
Medium Coarse - Fast metal removal rate, scratches not as visible. Finest recommended grit for dull tools and knives. |
45-60 Micron |
Medium Crystolon, Coarse Diamond |
4 |
Medium - Good metal removal rate, light sctaches edge. Intermediate stage before finer grits. |
35-45 Micron |
Medium India, Fine Crystolon |
5 |
Medium Fine - Minimum recommended grit for final stage of most knives. Edge does not appear sctached but frosted. Finer than medium but sharpening rate slower. |
25-35 Micron |
Fine India |
6 |
Fine - Modest sharpening rate, leaves metal edge with frosted appearance. Edge sharpness equivalent to majority of factory edges on knives, tools. |
15-25 |
Fine Diamond, Soft Arkansas, 1000 Grit Waterstone |
7 |
Extra Fine - Slow sharpening rate. Edge is showing a polished looking edge. Very sharp edge better than most factory edges on good knives. |
8-15 Micron |
Extra Fine Diamond, Hard Arkansas |
8 |
Extremely Fine - Edge is extremely sharp. Very slow sharpening speed. Edge reflects light very well. |
4-8 Micron |
Norton 4000 Waterstone, Hard Black Arkansas, Hard Translucent Arkansas |
9 |
Near Mirror Polish - Edge is very near perfect. Grits past this stage provides only modest benefit. Leave edge polished to naked eye. |
2-4 Micron |
Norton 8000 Waterstone, DMT Extra Extra Fine Diamond Stone |
10 |
Mirror Polish - Sharpest edge possible, extremely slowing sharpening. Leaves mirror edge without visible flaws. |
0-2 Micron |
Diamond Paste, Green Honing Compound, Abrasive Powder |