Originally Posted by
Schtoo
I've never used sandpaper to flatten a stone. Not successfully anyway.
There's a key difference between you saying "It's ok" and me saying the same thing.
If you say it's fine, and something does happen, then a case of "oh, that's too bad. Sorry!" is probably enough.
If I say it's fine (and I have before, which is why I'm vehemently against it now) and something happens, postage is between 600-1400 yen for a waterstone plus the cost of a replacement stone, whatever it may be.
Chances are nothing will ever happen, but the problem is that diamond plates do a superior job for much longer, and are long term cost effective. Loose grit on glass/kanaban/steel is about the same price as sandpaper short term, works better and there's really no caveat. It's the 'proper' way to do it, and the only proper way before diamond plates came around.
There is one system that actually uses sandpaper, but the paper is specially designed stuff so it won't infect the stone with something. And it's not even remotely cost effective.
If you want to flatten your stones with sandpaper, go right ahead. I won't do it (I have 4 diamond plates now, just so I never run out!) and I cannot in good conscience condone it.
Heck, if yer that hard up, you get some glass and I'll provide the grit. ;)