What is the Honing Compound ?
Honing compound, you ask? It’s like this super fine sandpaper, but not quite. Imagine it as the magician’s final trick in the sharpening show, making your tools sparkle like new. Let’s break it down into simple bits.
What’s the Deal with Honing Compound?
Alright, so honing compound is basically super fine abrasive stuff used when you want to polish things up real nice. Picture those tiny particles dancing around, making your tools shine brighter than a shooting star. But hey, these particles aren’t just any dust; they come in different sizes, from 6 microns down to a minuscule 0.5 micron. That’s like comparing a regular road to a hair’s breadth!
How do I use honing compound?
Using honing compound is as easy as spreading butter on toast. Just smear it on a surface, like a piece of leather, and run your blade over it. But here’s the catch: honing compound isn’t your first rodeo. Nah, it’s the final act in the sharpening circus. You’ve got to take your blade through some rough and tumble with other sharpening stones before you get to the compound stage. Think of it as the finishing touch, like putting the cherry on top of a sundae.
My options in honing compounds?
So, honing compound doesn’t just come in one flavor. Nope, there’s a whole buffet to choose from!
First up, we got these wax bars. They’re like those crayons you used to doodle with as a kid, only they’re packed with superpowers for your tools. Just rub it on any old surface, and you’re good to go. Plus, these bad boys last longer than grandma’s fruitcake.
Then, we’ve got pastes. They’re like the squishy cousins of wax bars, easy to spread and even easier to love. But instead of just any old particles, they’re packing diamonds! Yeah, you heard me right. Diamonds! Talk about fancy. And they come in different grit sizes, like 6, 3, and 1 micron. It’s like choosing between a gentle breeze and a hurricane.
Now, let’s talk sprays. These are like your trusty sidekick, always ready to swoop in and save the day. Just a couple of squirts, and your blade is sharper than a cat’s whisker. Plus, they’re so easy to use, even your pet rock could do it. Our spray of choice? DiaSpray from DMT. It’s like a fairy godmother for your tools, turning them into shiny knights in no time.
Last but not least, we’ve got abrasive powders. These are like the rebels of the honing compound world, loose and wild. Just sprinkle them on a surface, and watch the magic happen. But be warned, they’re a bit high maintenance. You might have to reapply them more often than sunscreen at the beach. But hey, it’s a small price to pay for that mirror-like shine.
In a Nutshell
So, there you have it, folks. Honing compound might sound fancy, but it’s really just your blade’s best friend. Whether you prefer wax bars, pastes, sprays, or powders, there’s something out there for everyone. So, go ahead, give your tools the TLC they deserve. Trust me; they’ll thank you for it.
