Diamond sharpeners - no value for cost?

[katiexoxo]

I bought a diamond file and I noticed that the diamond coating wears off very fast, like after the first sharpening. Considering they are much more expensive than water stones or regular files and wear much faster, they seem to have no real world use?

 

[BillK]

Not sure what kind you bought but I have one that is probably 10 years old and still works fine. I use it at least a few times a week.

 

[bob15]

have a picture or two? Are you sure the diamond coating came off? what brand?

 

[katiexoxo]

brand is "Am-Tech"
like this:

it doesn't come completely off.
it's just that the portion that I used to sharpen a knife feels flat

 

[Infinia]

Hi
Diamonds are for very hard surfaces like cobalt and carbide, when used on soft steel the tiny stones tend to stick to the blades rather than abrade them.

 

[BillK]

Hi
Diamonds are for very hard surfaces like cobalt and carbide, when used on soft steel the tiny stones tend to stick to the blades rather than abrade them.

??????????

The only thing I use mine on is steel and cast iron and like I said the one I have is almost ten years old. Still works fine.

 

[BillK]

brand is "Am-Tech"

How much did it cost ?

 

[katiexoxo]

Like 10 pounds or so..
There's some expensive stuff from DMT but the reviews are not great, people say the coating wears off fast

 

[6PTsocket]

I just checked and the reviews on that brand are not good. There are complaints of the diamond abrasive wearing off. As one guy said, " It is now as bald as my head". These were UK reviewers. The the quality brand that is most well known is DMT on both sides of the pond.

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[Dave455]

I have several diamond files, and diamond stones for that matter! There are a mix of brands, DMT, 3M, Vallorbe and they have all been nothing short of superb! the common factor, of course, is that they are all made in the U.S.A. Switzerland or somewhere else acceptable!

I have seen a few Am -Tech tools around, and they are the usual Chinese / Taiwanese shite masquerading as American made. They wouldn't fool anyone tool savvy, but I guess they fool enough!

To the O.P. Don't despair - real diamond files work well and last better, but they are VERY expensive. Now you know why so many experienced tool users place so much emphasis on Country of origin!

Depending on what you are filing, you maybe better off with a decent quality conventional file than a diamond. I only use the latter if I'm working something really hard! Whatever you get, choose something made in the western world and you will be fine!

 

[pendragon1998]

They say if you think the diamonds are wearing off (falling out of the backing, not really wearing, I think) then file a piece of glass. If it abrades, the file is ok.

 

[rlitman]

They say if you think the diamonds are wearing off (falling out of the backing, not really wearing, I think) then file a piece of glass. If it abrades, the file is ok.

I was going to mention this. In fact, the instructions with one of my (EZE-Lap, IIRC) diamond stones said to file some glass to clean up stuff that gets stuck between the diamonds and to restore the abrasive surface.

Of course, it is possible for the diamond coating to wear off, if it were improperly applied, but even my Harbor Freight diamond stones seem to hold up for me.

 

[6PTsocket]

Well said. That sums it up. I forgot about ez lap. I really resent companies that include something in the company name to imply that the junk they sell is US made.

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