Which grit should I use?

Which grit you should use depends on: How often you sharpen; how dull your knife or tool edge is; how sharp you want your edge; the work the edge will do – rougher work, coarser grit – finer work, finer grit. Think about this as you review the diamond grit choices.

 Hint: The pros use more than one grit moving from coarser to finer grits as they sharpen. Your best value for 2-grit sharpening is with our Double-sided Diafold® hand-held sharpeners or DuoSharp® bench stone models.

 If you’re still not sure, call Customer Service at 800-666-4368, ext. 1. Our office is open Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET. 

STANDARD DIAMOND GRITS:

Extra-Extra Coarse – Recommended for extreme stock removal to repair a much damaged edge or to quickly change a bevel angle. This grit is a safe alternative to power grinding, cutting quickly without heat build-up that can ruin tool temper.  Unless the stone is designated “Diaflat” (that is, designed for flattening other stones), DMT does not recommend using for flattening waterstones, Arkansas stones, and synthetic stones.

Color code: silver. Diamond size: 120 micron (120 mesh).

 Extra-Coarse – Recommended for aggressive removal of metal on damaged tools or for heavy-duty outdoor tools such as axes and lawn mower blades. This grit is commonly used as the first step in flattening the backs of chisels and plane irons and for rapid stock removal from a chipped or damaged edge. Unless the stone is designated “Diaflat” (that is, designed for flattening other stones), DMT does not recommend using for flattening Japanese waterstones.

Color code: black. Diamond size: 60 micron (220 mesh).

Coarse – Quickly restores a dull edge to cutting sharp. Customers that desire cutting fast action without worry of edge refinement often use our coarse models.  Unless the stone is designated “Diaflat” (that is, designed for flattening other stones), DMT does not recommend using for flattening Japanese waterstones.

Color code: blue. Diamond size: 45 micron (325 mesh).

Fine – Restores to a fine edge any knife or tool that is slightly dull. Many of our customers consider the fine grit to be a medium/all purpose sharpener. Professional Chefs and gourmet cooks work through to our finer grit models. For woodworkers and sportsman who are stepping through the grits, it’s the edge refinement step done before micro beveling and polishing.

Color code: red. Diamond size: 25 micron (600 mesh).

Extra-Fine – Refines knife or tool edge to razor sharp perfection.

Color code: green. Diamond size: 9 micron (1200 mesh).

Extra-Extra Fine – Provides the finest grade micronized bonded diamond abrasive available anywhere for the ultimate edge refinement, achieving quick stock removal with millions of diamond cutting edges. Prior to break-in, using the extra-extra fine diamond will result in a matte to shiney finish (scratch pattern evident) on your edge or bevel; once fully broken in, you will achieve a lusterous finished edge.

Color code: tan. Diamond size: 3 micron (8000 mesh).

HARDCOAT DIAMOND GRITS:

HC™ Extra-Extra Coarse Diaflat® – Designed specifically for flattening waterstones, Arkansas stones, and synthetic stones. Use the 120 micron for flattening 1000 grit/mesh and coarser stones; use the 95 micron for finer grit stone flattening.

Color code: silver. Diamond size: 120 micron (120 mesh), 95 micron (160 mesh)

HC™ Fine – Designed to withstand the rigors of sharpening ceramic knives; perfect to use with hard steels as well. Restores to a fine edge any knife or tool that is slightly dull. Many of our customers consider the fine grit to be a medium/all purpose sharpener. Professional Chefs and gourmet cooks prefer using our fine grit models. For woodworkers and sportsman who are stepping through the grits, it’s the edge refinement step done before micro beveling and polishing.

Color code: white/HC marked. Diamond size: 25 micron (600 mesh).

HC™ Extra-Fine – Designed to withstand the rigors of sharpening ceramic knives; perfect to use with hard steels as well. Refines knife or tool edge to razor sharp perfection.

Color code: white/HC marked. Diamond size: 9 micron (1200 mesh).