Thread: 12k naniwa vs pasted strop?

Ok here's the deal.I 've been using a straight for almost two years using a Norton 4/8 and an SRD modular paddle to touch up my four razors with Crox .5 and diamond spray .5.This has worked great for me.Would the Naniwa 12k stone be a step up or just different?I'm thinking long term.

Imo a step up. It leaves a great finish the 12k. The crox can be used after as well if you want .

I've never been a fan of pastes (tried a CrOx and diamond) and just never really liked the edges they gave. CrOx is better than diamond IMHO (less harsh a finish), but still not as good as a hone.

I'd say the 12k is a step up as well..!

Try it just going from the stone direct to strop then test shave, and if that doesnt quite get you there then try some CrOx after the stone and before the strop.

TBH though, I dont think you'll need any paste after the 12k.

Edward,

Its awkward to put a good stone in opposition to your preferred pastes & sprays.

Its certainly doable to rely on abrasives after a quality 8k finish - but notice how the abrasive - even here - are simply giving a nice finishing touch on what *must* be good stone work. They're in addition to, not instead of good stone work.

If you'd like to test drive the Nani edge, shoot a couple blades my way (pm for detail) and I'll gladly send back w/ a Nani 12 edge. Try the edge as is, then try one with *very few* strokes on your abrasives of choice. See that your face likes.

Ed,
It depends on what you are trying to accomplish. First all are polisher, the 12k is… 12K, Chrome Ox and .5 Diamond are 30K, though each different in edge polishing. A 30K strop does not give you a 30k edge unlike a stone. Which brings up an interesting question, what is the edge if all the stria is removed from a bevel with paste? I don’t know, though they are comfortable and keen. But I digress… not to hijack your thread.

If your edge is fine, no damage you can maintain it indefinitely with paste, if you need a touch up because of damage the 12k may do it, then paste for comfort. It depends on the damage.

The 12K while a great stone is not necessarily a step up in polishing, from Chrome Ox or .5 Diamond. That said, YMMV because there are variable with paste and honing for that matter.

My experience is that .5 Diamond will give you sharpness and Chrome Ox will calm and smooth it some as you have apparently discovered. In order of keenness and comfort, I would rate the 12K, then .5 Diamond then Chrome Oxide.

The next level would be Cerium Oxide or .125 CBN for comfort and keenness if you are looking for a bit more comfort and keenness. Going from .5 Chrome Oxide 30K to .125 CBN 120K is a big jump so some extra laps may be required, 5-6 laps may not get you where you want to be, and that is the result or lack of results many experience with high grit CBN. I shave off a .125 or .10 CBN edge daily, no leather.

The thing about making recommendations on pasting for comfort is that we all have different equipment, skill levels, hair/beard growth/coarseness and skin type and sensitivity.

What works for me, may not work for you or anyone else, hence the YMMV qualification.

Have Fun, there are many roads.

Thanks for all the input guys,and the offer pinklather I may just do that.It sounds like the 12k would be a good piece to add to my set.

Originally Posted by Edwardd

Thanks for all the input guys,and the offer pinklather I may just do that.It sounds like the 12k would be a good piece to add to my set.

You should definitely take him up on that. The ONLY way to now if it is a step up, down or sideways for your face is to try.

Personally I cannot stand diamond stropped edges on my face, but there are enough fans for me to realize that different faces have different preferences.

From my experience I finished 2 razors(pumas) on a good barber hone(dubl duck8-10k) then pasted vs same razor finished on esher then pasted you get a better edge of a higher stone, the nani then the same paste progression should result in a better edge. Of coure yrmv. I would take pinklather up on his offer and compare to a razor of roughly equal that you have left with current edge.

Talking with friend today I found out he uses the Norton 4/8 and nani 12k on his chisel's,and yes he keeps them lapped flat.Long story short I tried the 12k and yes it makes a much smoother edge so I will be getting one.That is,when the tax refund comes in this next winter.Till then the 8k edge is just fine.Thanks again all for the input!

how many strokes would you use to touch up an edge?