Thread: What would be a nice polishing stone for me?

Okay, i'm in a similar position as the OP here. Except that I have a Belgian Coticule as well (but have found the 8k to give a nicer finish).

Looking at the 12k options I see I can get the Shapton at about the same price as the Naniwa. Is there any reason to prefer one over the other?

thanks

(getting fine shaves off the 8k)

Originally Posted by WadePatton

Okay, i'm in a similar position as the OP here. Except that I have a Belgian Coticule as well (but have found the 8k to give a nicer finish).

[Looking at the 12k options I see I can get the Shapton at about the same price as the Naniwa. Is there any reason to prefer one over the other?

thanks

(getting fine shaves off the 8k)

"Looking at the 12k options I see I can get the Shapton at about the same price as the Naniwa. Is there any reason to prefer one over the other"?

As with Everything associated with buying, using, honing, stropping along with soaps, brushes etc. It's all a matter of 'Personal Choice'!

Try one, then save some money up and then buy the other so you can compare side by side!

While one honer could put a different edge on your blades with the two stones, you will be comparing to what 'you' can do with them!!

I'm sure that the fans of each will join in! Be sure to listen to their opinions, but remember you and only you will be the one to decide which is what you like!!

Originally Posted by ProudMarineDad

I was under the impression that the Swaty was closer to 12k grit and that is why people buy them as a final hone or to refresh an edge. Can anyone confirm that? If they are no smoother really than my Norton 8k then I purchased the Swaty for nothing.

I have the Norton 220/1000 4000/8000, plus Swaty Barbers hone, and an Edlis Special Barbers hone. After the 8k I usually go to the edlis, then the Swaty. Under a loupe that seems to be advancing the keenness of the edge.
But I agree about the 8k is really all you need, if you know the right techniques.
I highly recommend a get together with a Mentor. I recently had the privilege of getting a lesson from the aforementioned Mrsell. My edges before were good, but now they are much better and takes less than half the time.

Originally Posted by souschefdude

... if you know the right techniques.
I highly recommend a get together with a Mentor. I recently had the privilege of getting a lesson from the aforementioned Mrsell. My edges before were good, but now they are much better and takes less than half the time.

Lynn and Glen have mentored me well via the Tube, You. (thanks guys)

I have no problem shaving off the 8k. I had to hone to get started, never bought anything near "shave-ready" or "HHT approved". Doing is learning too, if one is careful.

The question is "what's next?"--as in "The professionals are finishing up on 30k's and I'm finishing up on 8k, there's a lot of ground in between so what is the next logical step?" That's the long version.

The OP was answered with 12k Naniwa.

(and then i saw the Shapton video series by Glen (and don't ever count Glen's stropping strokes, just don't even try it. )

and saw same "street" prices on both the Naniwa and Shapton 12k stones. And i wonder if the gurus who have used both have a preference for, or feel a difference in one or the other, and why.

strop on.

Originally Posted by WadePatton

Lynn and Glen have mentored me well via the Tube, You. (thanks guys)


and saw same "street" prices on both the Naniwa and Shapton 12k stones. And i wonder if the gurus who have used both have a preference for, or feel a difference in one or the other, and why.

strop on.

First thanks for the heads up on the Vids glad they are helping

Second I have said this a few times but being as it is personal opinion take it for what it is worth..

If I were forced to have only one set of hones in the house (it would somehow be the wife's fault) I would have to chose the Naniwa SS system, it just has a great feel while honing and it is my goto set when honing chippy, finicky, razors.. That system works well on all razors, and the edge is sharp and very comfortable without much fuss at all and the price is more than fair IMHO...

Thanks Glen, and (at this point in time) I present what you said elsewhere WRT Naniwa 12k vs Shapton 16k (sometimes you has to read 46 searched up threads to find the gold)

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Got a coin ????

Essentially these both will do the job, and the price difference is minimal...[no diff at 12k]

The only real difference that I could say would be in the feel of the steel on the hone, and even that is not bad vs good, it is just different..

The Naniwa is a better polisher, the Shapton is a better cutter
The Naniwa feels softer while honing and is easy to control, but the Shapton as Double O mentioned pretty much throws up a bright red flag that says "Yo Dude yer done here"

What hones are coming before this one in your progression ???

I don't expect to ever "run a system" bottom to top, but i'll keep trying diff't makers' rocks as i expand the collection. I'm going to re-try my Coticule to see where it fits (since i've learned more about them), but I'm shaving great off 1/4/8 Norton, no paste linen, leather presently-and I just started using the linen.

I need more razors to play with...dangit!