Thread: Question about Naniwa 12K SS

How is the texture on the Naniwa 12k ss I heard some many good thing about this stone that I've been thinking to buy me one. I am making that question because I already have the naniwa 8k ss, and I think it is too soft, and I like harder stones like the coticules or the Choseras. So to all of you who own a Naniwa 12k ss, any comments?

It is also a "Soft" touch hone ie: If you don't like the feel of the 8k Naniwa SS don't buy the 12k

The soft feel is exactly why I love my Naniwa's, but like Glen said, if you don't like the 8k don't get the 12k its much the same. A ceramic stone may be more to your liking rather then the resin.

Thank you both gssixgun and brigthty83. Very good advice.

12k is a better finisher IMO. I have the chosera 10 but I use either a natural or suehiro 20k as a finisher. If I could have only one (I have both) I would choose the nani 12. Its less than 1/3 the price also. JMO. Buy what you want. The 10k shaves are very good, just not as good imo as the shave right off the nani 12.

I have a Chosera 10k and the Naniwa 12k. Both are great stones for me but I seldom use the 10k because of the soak time. Same goes for the Norton stones. Soak time doesn't appeal to me. I like to get right at it.

The 12K Super Stone is definitely a softer feeling stone, but this softness gives me some of the best feedback I have ever had on any stone. I really feel like these stones where made for sharpening straight razors. They are one of the most consistent and reliable stones out there. However, if harder feeling stones are your personal preference, then this may not be your stone. A Shapton 16K is a good alternative.

Have fun.

I concur with what others have said - the Naniwa 8k and 12k have the same soft feel about them (and I like it!)

I just got my naniwa 12k last week. It's definitely got a soft feel to it, but speaking as a novice to honing it gives great feedback makes it easier for me to focus on even pressure. But if you prefer harder stones you may see the difference in price made up by longer life in a harder stone vs the Naniwa? Don't know if that would make a noticeable difference, though it would kinda make sense.

Originally Posted by SailorJ

... but speaking as a novice to honing it gives great feedback makes it easier for me to focus on even pressure.

I know just what you mean. I'm relatively new to honing razors, and I tried a few harder stones (slates) when I first started and didn't do well with them - I'm sure now that I was using too much pressure partly because of the poorer feedback. I've since learned using a progression of Naniwa superstones, and my touch is a lot more delicate now and I'm getting good results.