Diamond Hone
This "Diafold" device is made mainly of plastic and is
built rather like a "butterfly knife". The view at right shows the type that I use
and it is depicted in the closed position. When opened for use it
appears as in the diagram below and can be used like a file. The
metal plate shown grey has diamond dust embedded in it's surface and
the colour of plastic that the device is made from indicates the
"grit size" in normal abrasive calibration (I have forgotten what
grade is represented by blue).
I use mine for the finishing stage of sharpening tools and
cutters, including tungsten carbide, as well as blades for woodworking
and aeromodelling.
The one I use is about 10 years old and has been heavily
used and even abused by various members of my staff in sharpening
everything from pocket knives to hand axes, yet it is still capable
of putting a keen edge on a scalpel blade.
Larger versions are available that take the place of an
oilstone, but I have no personal experience of these and the two
oilstones that I have are likely to last longer than I do, so I am
unlikely to purchase one.
Written... 05 November 2001
Transferred to New Domain... 14 May 2004,
