how long do you get out of them?

I just bought another , I am thinking I am about every 5 years and should probably just call it at 3-4 but then I go look at the price and say to myself I will wait for a sale.

this is my 3rd Dexter 12 inch

Assuming the quality is good you could get a couple decades out of one. I don't personally use them though.

anyone found one better than Dexter ?

the internet is all over the place from 10-20 years for home kitchen use to a matter of months for heavy commercial use

seeing as I have butchered 4 cows in the last 5 years I am going to say I am more than typical home user so 3-4 years doesn't sound too far off

I have several diamond stones not steels. Some are over 10 years old. For those that don't know you can wash steels and stones to unclog them. Dawn dish soap works right well for me.

I wash them but they are worn smooth when I give up on them

got the new one today in the mail and remembered how much grit they had to them.

Used to be a guy that sold them at convention. My main stone is 12 X.125X 2 .125

this is what I am talking about
https://www.amazon.com/Dexter-Russell-DDS-12PCP-Diamond-Sharpener-SILVER/dp/B004NG98EG

https://dexter1818.com/sani-safe-12-diamond-sharpener/

you can get them for a little less at some online restaurant supply places but then the charge shipping so it is a wash

I tried the restaurant supply last week in MKE and they didn't have any in stock

Never really cared for them. I have a Norton wet stone system, all I have used for years. Went to Oregon meat cutting school in 83-84, learned how to sharpen there. Stones and a smooth steel

wws

I picked up a modem grit Dimond steel I think German made at a fancy store on vacation several years back. Maybe it's just the grit size but I find myself usein a stone I have had since 6th grade and finishing it up on an old steel with light blue handle I got at a department store because it is my wife's favorite color.

Have not been somewhere that's had a fine Dimond steel on the shelf for me to impulse buy and try yet.

Do you use water or oil. I have always used stones but still go between what I use on stone.

here is what I use, works awesome
https://www.sharpeningsupplies.com/...-kit?_pos=2&_sid=f5ec0a88f&_ss=r
way cheaper on amazon but they are only 1 sided. I use 600 and 1200 grit

I used to use up a dexter diamond every season. I really liked them but did not last long for me. They used to cost 40$ so wasnt a big deal.

DMT is supposed to be good. Never used any of their products, though.

I have a Dexter … still going strong

BC-Buck I use mineral oil in it.

wws

I have had a Norton 3 stone for quite a few years. I use WD-40 oil. Smooth steel and a leather strop.

$100 off and made in the USA! Can’t beat that deal with an ugly stick.

F Dick. I haven’t worn one out yet. Keep ‘em clean.

Osky

X 2 for the F. Dick smooth steel !