difference b/t sandpapers

[Lewis Ehrhardt]

Saw a show on Woodsmith, PBS, on sharpening chiesels with sandpaper.
They recommended starting with aluminum oxide (80 to 120?) then, switch to silicon carbide 320, 800, 1000, 1500 up to 2000.
My problem is the only paper I can find is made by 3M from the paint/body supplier in these grits. But it doesn't say what the grit is made from.

Who makes/sells these kinds of sandpaper? Does it make that much difference when honing? Lewis

[Van Huskey]

Lee Valley carries some of this.

You also might ask this over on the Neanderthal forum, you will probably get more answers.

[Mike Davis NC]

The 3M stuff from the autobody paint supply store is perfect.

[Prashun Patel]

The aluminum oxide is designed to be used dry; the si-carbide can be used wet, which reduces clogging at higher grits. Si-Carbide at the lower grits is fine, but if you want something cheaper, you can use the Norton sheets at 80/150/220 from HD.

[Jon van der Linden]

The main difference between paper types (other than the wet types) is how long they last. If you do a lot of sharpening you will find that the expensive stones are actually cheaper.

[Dave Zellers]

I buy all my sandpaper from these guys:

http://www.abrasives4sale.com/

[David Hawxhurst]

these guys have nice sandpaper https://www.micro-surface.com/