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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 cemented to a metal substrate. The colour of plastic that the device is made from indicates the "grit size" in normal abrasive calibration (I have forgotten what grade of diamond granules is represented by blue).

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 cemented to a metal substrate. The colour of plastic that the device is made from indicates the "grit size" in normal abrasive calibration (I have forgotten what grade of diamond granules is represented by blue).

Diamond hone in open position and ready for use

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 15 years old and has been heavily used and even 'abused' by various ex-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, New Domain... 14 May 2004, Upgraded... 12 August 2004,

Diamond Hone

Written... 05 November 2001, New Domain... 14 May 2004, Upgraded... 12 August 2004,