Thread: Matching hones to razors. Certain brands work better with certain hones?

Originally Posted by gssixgun

This is always going to be a "moving target" issue,,,

First there is the differences in the techniques...AMEN Brother!

All that being explained yes razors and stones/hones can be matched to give each individual behind the razors edge the best results... But I doubt many of us will agree on what those combo's are Again, couldn't have said it better myself.

I look at three variables we are working with. The person using the razor, the razor itself, and the person behind the stones. I have yet found a good razor that wouldn't shave well off any of the synthetic stones to 8K followed by an Escher, high quality Thuringian, Naniwa 12K or Shapton GS 16K. I follow every blade I hone by stropping on .5 micron diamond on leather (10x) and then plain leather. I have found that the hard steels like TI's, Japanese, and the later razors made here in the US are about the only ones that can handle a Shapton GS 30K. Most English razors I finish on Naniwa 12K, Thuringian, or Escher. I am still learning my Asagi, but have found that I can produce a very nice finished edge with pretty much any German or US razor...but I am still experimenting with my method. As of now, it's a very light slurry of Thuringian/Escher diluted twice, then a clean stone...20x with only the weight of the blade pushing the slurry/water. When I am on the water only pass, the first 10x are with a backstroke.

I hope I haven't muddied the water, but this is what works for me...but I am always learning and trying different things. I too have really been chasing the ultimate edge with each and every razor of my own. I've got to start documenting sometime or another.