Thread: how smooth can it be??

I used to shave off an 8000 (shaved off a 6000 as well, but don't recommend it), but it is nicer to shave off higher grit finishes. It gets smoother up to a point.


Mick

Originally Posted by MickR

I used to shave off an 8000 (shaved off a 6000 as well, but don't recommend it), but it is nicer to shave off higher grit finishes. It gets smoother up to a point.

Agreed, but at the same time different stones will give a different feel. eg. some people say that a 16k shapton isn't as nice as a 12k naniwa. and others will say that the 0.5um diamond spray is to harsh and then use a 0.5um CrOx. Both being 0.5um but the CrOx isn't as harsh on the blade and then some will go back to a stone again. I know one of the guys even finishes with a gold polish! (and so the list goes on) Its something that you could spend your whole life trying to prefect to get the perfect blade.

This is why we recommend that you send it to a honemaster as he would have had many years experimenting and each honemaster has there own ways of doing things. But i can guarantee that you will get a good edge from one of the honemasters, one that you wont be able to get for a long time.

Personally i would only be using your 8k, seeing how it shaves then using your 0.5um and 0.25um diamond spray, But that's only because i haven't had the need to use 1um. I have some on order though.

I am still a beginner but i can get a nice shave ready blade with not too much trouble, I now have 25+ stones + 4 strops (25 stones is nothing compared to what the pros would have lol). I have watched a lot of videos and have spoken to a lot of the guys. I have had 1 blade professional honed so i new what i was looking for when i was honing my blades and since have purchased a few blades that were sent professionally honed.

Harshness is something that is talked about a lot on here and different members have there methods to remove that. Whether it be stones or compounds they strop with to correct that harshness. A good blade will shave like a hot knife through butter.

GEtting an escher now is a good idea or a bad one?

Originally Posted by q31

GEtting an escher now is a good idea or a bad one?

The point is, an Escher or any fine polisher is just that, a fine polisher. It refines an already good edge from the previous stone so unless you have a very good edge first it will not necessarily improve things.

Who you talkin' at Brighty?? I hone my own and don't get any higher than 12k (ish). I'm one of those that think paste is for your teeth...And for gluing little bits of paper together, or even for slapping down thickly on bread with a good serving of honey on top...
I know it's a fickle area open to individual interpretation, but-cha gotta draw a line somewhere haven't cha?!

Mick

Originally Posted by MickR

Who you talkin' at Brighty??

LOL Just trying to open his mind a little, to all the possibilities and how deep this can actually go

Originally Posted by q31

GEtting an escher now is a good idea or a bad one?

Most likely good but i haven't used one and they aren't cheap! Wait for a reply from someone who has used one. Ask Mick what he finishes on.

I'm fairly sure onimaru55 uses jnats, I'm playing with jnats now but also have the naniwa and shapton stones.

The c12k gives a nice edge and is a cheap stone too but it takes some prep work to get it 100%

I'll answer before he asks, I use the C12k, also know as a PHIG (Peoples Hone of Indeterminate Grit) Ans they are good, but they are a pig to lap flat. Once done though, you would rarely (if ever?) need to go back to it, and it would be easier the next time around, as you are already working with a reasonably flat face after the first lapping.
Keep in mind that I am the epitomy of cheap bastards, and I won't go out of my way to spend wads of cash on something that I see as going back to basics. I shave, it's not a hobby, it's not a chore, but it is a pleasure...Now!

Mick

The c12k is a good stone (as you would know mick lol), i actually think it is as good as my shapton 16k (if not better). I am falling for the jnats though lol

@q31 if i was you i would just look at the c12k in a 3x8" for now, its cheap and gives a nice edge, it cuts slowly so it reduces the risk of over honing.

Edit: Still, your 4/8k should do the trick though!

But first i would send the wade and butcher to get honed.

Originally Posted by MickR

it's not a hobby, it's not a chore, but it is a pleasure...Now!

It certainly is a pleasure!

Originally Posted by onimaru55

The point is, an Escher or any fine polisher is just that, a fine polisher. It refines an already good edge from the previous stone so unless you have a very good edge first it will not necessarily improve things.

I was about to hit the like button but i cant do that to every post you put on LOL

How do you always sounds so wise onimaru55! I'm guessing the 4,914 posts and the years of experience lol

One day, maybe i too will be wise