Thread: The Naniwa SS stones

I was just on the Straight razor designs site and was looking at the naniwa super stones and noticed that they didn't have a base mount. That's one of the things I liked about them. the ease of use. I'm getting ready to get a 5K stone but would like one with the plastic base. Are they no longer available. I also have a 325 diamond lapping plate and even though its only 1 year old I believe it's warn out. I don't hone for the public so I would have thought it would have lasted longer. I have the naniwa 1K 3/8K and the 12K so the 5K would be added to the mix. I still finish with the 20K sehiro. Is the place to order a wooden box for the naniwa stones. I haven't called SRD yet still kicking around the idea.

Those would be the new Naniwa specialty stones that you have been seeing, they are the new updated Super stones(The Chosera line has also been updated to 'Naniwa Professional' and they've lost their base as well), I assume that the old Naniwa Super Stones will be phased out in the coming year as vendors start selling off their old stock and start selling the new ones.

If you're lucky you might even find a vendor who's lowered the price on the N-SS to get rid of them faster.

Yep, Naniwa has quit making the stones with bases attached. They have a Steelex type base now (not as deep set as the Steelex) to be used for all the new hones which is nice. I remember when we first introduced the Naniwa Super Stones with the bases and some people wanted thicker stones and without bases. Sometimes you can't win and the tool and knife houses might have more variety, but I wanted the ones that were best suited to honing razors. Have to admit though, that even without the bases, the new Naniwa's remain the most reliable and consistent hones for razors out there in my opinion. Keep the comments coming thought as I try to share them all with the Naniwa folks.

Happy New Year!

Originally Posted by Lynn

Yep, Naniwa has quit making the stones with bases attached. They have a Steelex type base now (not as deep set as the Steelex) to be used for all the new hones which is nice. I remember when we first introduced the Naniwa Super Stones with the bases and some people wanted thicker stones and without bases. Sometimes you can't win and the tool and knife houses might have more variety, but I wanted the ones that were best suited to honing razors. Have to admit though, that even without the bases, the new Naniwa's remain the most reliable and consistent hones for razors out there in my opinion. Keep the comments coming thought as I try to share them all with the Naniwa folks.

Happy New Year!

Lynn,
how are the Professional Super Stones or Chosera different than the older versions?

I really love the Naniwa SS stones don't think I would use anything else. guess ill just have to get the new base when I get the new stone. it would be nice to have a wooden box for storage though.

Originally Posted by rhensley

I really love the Naniwa SS stones don't think I would use anything else. guess ill just have to get the new base when I get the new stone. it would be nice to have a wooden box for storage though.

The new version of the Super Stones is actually an improvement in the stone itself. I find them very similar in feel and result as the the old ones. For what it's worth, I have done about 2500 razors on these stones before I reach for a new one.

Originally Posted by mainaman

Lynn,
how are the Professional Super Stones or Chosera different than the older versions?

I really can't tell the difference when using them. Naniwa states they have improved the quality, consistency and the quantity of the abrasive in each stone. They produce their own powder so are able to keep very stringent standards through the entire process.

Hopefully your DMT just needs a good cleaning the diamonds clog up.

With some powdered cleanser, I use Barkeepers Friend, scrub the diamond plate face with a stiff brush, I use a Bix Stripping brush from Home Depot. It is like a large 1.5 X 2 in very stiff nylon brush. A couple of good scrubbing may revive it.

If not it may be trashed, always lap under running water or in a water pond.

Originally Posted by Lynn

I really can't tell the difference when using them. Naniwa states they have improved the quality, consistency and the quantity of the abrasive in each stone. They produce their own powder so are able to keep very stringent standards through the entire process.

It's your opinion I depend on for info on stones and blades. so far you haven't steered me wrong. thanks. In regard to Baxxer reply trying to talk the price down on older stones I don't think I will try that. Remember this is a relative new business compared to others in this market (the through away shaving crowd) and there price isn't to high to begin with. Now if there is a sale then that's a horse of a different color. (reference to the wizard of oz if your old enough to remember that movie.

Originally Posted by rhensley

It's your opinion I depend on for info on stones and blades. so far you haven't steered me wrong. thanks. In regard to Baxxer reply trying to talk the price down on older stones I don't think I will try that. Remember this is a relative new business compared to others in this market (the through away shaving crowd) and there price isn't to high to begin with. Now if there is a sale then that's a horse of a different color. (reference to the wizard of oz if your old enough to remember that movie.

No, that was not what I was suggesting.

I was saying that if you're lucky some vendor might lower the price of the Supers of his own accord to get rid of the old stock so that he can start selling the new ones instead.