Thread: pasted strop or another stone?

I have a Norton 4/8 that I've been getting good results from but I think I've gone about as far as I can go honing wise. If I were to "take it to the next level" what would you guys suggest? Diamond paste on the strop or Naniwa 10 or 12k?

You can't really go wrong with the 12K Super Stone. I'd pass on the 10K unless you are planning to go finer later.. say a 16K Shapton or a jnat, for instance. In that case I prefer the 10K Chosera - nothing wrong with the SS, just a personal preference.

rs,
Tack

While I get very nice compliments on my edges I consider myself very inexperienced compared to many, many others/I also consider myself very biased!

First and foremost if you are getting Good Close and Comfortable shaves off of the 4/8 then and only then should you try any higher grit stone!!!

I could live the rest of my life using a nicely honed straight razor off of the Norton 8K!

With that said, I LOVE the edge that the Naniwa 12K gives! I don’t use any pasted strops, I like the way the blades feel right off of the 12K!

Well that’s my two bits! In case anyone doesn’t know what two bits is, it’s an American Quarter!

Diamond is a whole other animal, and while it can give you a bit more keenness it can be harsh on the skin. So it becomes a matter of what you are looking for, keenness or comfort.

As said, if you have in fact got all you can from your 8k, then go to the 12k. You will not regret a 12k Super Stone. A bit of stropping and it is a very shaveable edge. A bit of Chrome Oxide and you have a great edge that can be maintained with the Chrome Ox indefinitely?

I would buy Chrome Oxide before any diamond, it will improve most stone finished edges.

One trick you might try is one layer of tape and 2-3 super light laps on the 8k to produce a micro bevel. If you see no improvement you are maxed out, buy the 12k.

Diamond can be a Crape shoot, 8K- 12K progression is almost fool proof.

1 Mic diamond spray and 12k are equivalent. Have use the spray and have a 12k naniwa ss. No longer use the spray. An edge off a hone is superior imho.

+1 for the 12k.
Ive tried the crox and the diamond paste but the 12k is smoother.
Had a hard time to "break in" my naniwa. At first I was a little bit disapointed but after lapping a few time that is what gives me the smoothest edge.
But still experimenting and I want to try crox or diamond paste on felt.
Balsa strop is way to harsh for me!

I have also been using the 4/8 and CroOx.Adding the 12k ss was a big improvement!

I vote for a stone, any good finisher!
A pasted strop will in time change the bevel/round it, but a finisher will keep it in perfect condition.
Then your Norton will only be needed for taking out chips and fix that flea market find.

Thanks everyone so far for the feedback. I've dropped a few hints around SWMBO so hopefully I'll see a new stone under the Xmas tree.

Originally Posted by cudarunner

Well that’s my two bits! In case anyone doesn’t know what two bits is, it’s an American Quarter!

It's a shave and a haircut!