How important are the courser grits?

[rbscebu]

My courser grits whetstones are all Chinese synthetics; 400, 1k, 3k and 8k. I use the 400 for heavy metalwork, 1k to get close to a bevel set and the 3k is used to remove previous striations and set the bevel. Initial refining is done on the 8k before I move on to the more exotic (and some not so exotic) honing media.

My question is, is there an advantage in using more expensive synthetic and/or natural whetstones for this type of early work?

I already realise that the cheaper Chinese synthetics may require lapping flat more often, however I am happy doing that. I also realise that more expensive whetstones may have a more consistent grit size and bonding media. So far my cheap Chinese synthetics have not exhibited inconsistent grit sizes for me.

What are your thoughts?

 

[silverlifter]

As long as you remove all the stria up the chain, I don't think it matters. It may make bevel setting quicker, and with more even patterns that are in turn quicker to remove later, but ultimately, the results depend on you, not the stones.