I don't need to reprofile or start at 100 grit to sharpen my knife. I want to touch it up a bit. Where do you start for a touch up? 400? 600? Thanks!

If you're using a marker to help identify the angle and you're sure you're hitting the apex of the edge with the stones, you should be fine with the 600# stones.

PhillipHyun wrote:

I do use a marker as well as careful set-up measurements to the mm. Should I be feeling a burr at 600 before moving to 800?

If you're using good magnification to examine the edge and verify that the marker is all gone then you probably don't need to go all the way to a burr but if you're not sure you've reached the edge then working to raise a burr will be important.

PhillipHyun wrote:

Thanks. I should probably invest in a good magnifier. Any suggestions on magnification level?

There are a bunch of magnifiers available on Amazon. Here is the little one I use and I've been very happy with it: 60x Lighted Loupe.

PhillipHyun wrote:

Thanks Clay!

I still can't get over how easy touch ups are. I thrashed my Hogue chopping saplings just to torture it, and rolled over part of the edge. A minute or so with the 1000 grit diamond stones sorted it right out using my noted settings. I think that's another good reason why so many folks here mention the 1000 grits for daily use; they strike that balance between an attractive matte finish and being easy to touch up with.

I also need some magnification one of these days, if anything I'm horribly guilty of overdoing the burr now and then!

ApexGS wrote:


Amen brother! Me too!!! I just ordered one of those nifty 60x lighted magnifiers that Clay suggested. Dirt cheap!!!!