Thread: puma special 89

I still belive that an 8k would be a wiser decission. past that you wouldn't need any pasted strops, but you could finish on CrOx if you wanted since you have it.

I definitely wouldn't want to go from 4k to pastes. What you've gotta understand is that a 4k in razors is closer to a bevel setting stone than a finishing stone. there's a very large cap between that and 3 micron diamond. not to mention diamond is a different type of abrasive. personally, i would scratch that plan and go with either a 8k or a coticule.

You can go from 4k to 8k to 1 micron diamond to CrOx.
You're also going to need a hanging strop for daily use, at the very least hanging linen. normally you would finish your honing with 50 linen(canvas) then 50 leather.

8k is definitely preferable to 6k. If you get into it you'll end up getting an 8k anyway and 6k to pastes is too big a jump. That's too nice a blade to conduct experiments (that won't work either) like that on. YMMV but I doubt it.

from my understanding:
4k grit = 5-6 micron
8k grit = 3 micron

why would 3 micron diamond not be good after my 4k stone .

I use hones and don't have experience with using pastes for honing, so I really can't give you any suggestion on that.
It'll probably work but you may have to experiment a bit and you'll most likely end up spending way more money and more time, but if that's the way you want to take nothing wrong with it.
Of course, the cheapest and best bang for the buck is to have the razor honed by somebody with the hones and experience to use them, and then just maintain it sharp, but it doesn't seem you like that.

If you understand german or french you should take a look at the big european forums for honing razors with pastes.

Originally Posted by jimnolimit

from my understanding:
4k grit = 5-6 micron
8k grit = 3 micron

why would 3 micron diamond not be good after my 4k stone .

Primarily because:

A) Grit ratings are not universal

B) the cutting action of stropping is far different than the cutting action of a hone.
While a fine 8k hone will refine the entire surface of a bevel maintaining a flat and polished edge, stropping will remove material from the very edge of the bevel due to it's nature. in order to progress past 4k you will have to do a lot of refinement, which means a lot of material removed.

The final product will likely be something of a convex edge. i don't know if this is a good thing or not. I'm sure it's possible to create a shave-ready convex edge, however i can't speak on it since i haven't tried it.

Honestly, in the long run it's much cheaper for you to buy a $65 ish 8k/coticule and a $25 hanging strop.