Thread: Which stone to touch up with?

Hey guys,

I have recently started a "Dulling of the blade" thread and am now understanding that I will probably need a polishing or finish stone.

As with almost everything in the world of straight shaving, I am overwhelmed.

Which stone would you recommend? Is the Kitayama stone good for that purpose?

Which barber stones are known to be good and will they serve the purpose here?

Thanks!

Chinese 12k $20

Swaty 3 Line $20 - $30

Water of Ayr

Coticule

Shapton Glass 12k

Crom Ox on a paddle strop 32k

I use a C12k and a Pike Swaty. Both work great.

Swaty is probably the most "known" of the Barber hones. I think there's one on the classifieds right now. 3-5 passes will normally keep your blade good to go. Depending on how far gone your blade is will dictate what you need. A barber hone is really for keeping your edge keen, not if it's already kinda dull, it's a fine line. If your blade is already starting to pull and drag like a rusty rake, you may need something more. The C12k is inexpensive, but it takes forever to hone, 100 laps....50 with a slurry.

+1 on Singlewedge's recomendations. All excellent choices. I have all of the above and then some. My newest favorite hones are the Naniwa line available at SRD. Very inexpensive as far as quality hones go. I have the entire line. 15 passes is all you need on their 12k, and it gives a nice smooth shave. I'm very impressed with the Naniwa superstones. I believe Max, one of our foremost restorer's is also a convert. Once my blade starts to pull and get dull, I'll usually hit the rocks, normally the Naniwa 12k superstone. Remember, less is more when Honing, each time you take the blade to the whetstone or the pastes, your leaving metal behind. That's what I like about the Naniwa, only 15 passes. When I hear guys saying they've done Hundreds of passes on a Coticule I cringe...I am a big fan of the Coticule too, and Shaptons, Escher, and pretty much all of them. HAD....

Swaty in classifieds is SOLD PENDING FUNDS

thank you
come again !

As long as you buy a real Swaty, it doesn't matter if you get a three line or two line.

I am a complete newbie to this. Been using my blade for about 3-4 months now.

I guess I am timid of getting a chinese since after I count those 50 or 100 rounds I might not know to recognize the spot I'm at.

But getting a Naniwa or Kitayama is a little bit out there. Is there a good rock somewhere in between those two price range extremes?

And also could you point me to where to find that stone you recommend. Ebay seems to have some, but other than ebay sometimes I find it hard to find these stones anywhere else.

I'd appreciate any help in going the right direction.

If you buy a Swaty keep in mind that it will need to be lapped to flat. If the seller is from SRP it probably will be but on ebay or what have you probably not.

A coticule might be a good choice!

Originally Posted by JMS

A coticule might be a good choice!

agreed
just don't get your panties in a bunch over finding a HUGE one

You could get a coticule bout (a small oddly shaped coticule) for touch ups. They are quite reasonably priced and work well for touch ups, a few swipes every few weeks. Howard always has a few at the perfect edge.