Thread: what hone do i need if im going to use a pasted strop

so i just ordered my first razor to day so this is a little eirly to be worrying about but i figer i might as well know ahead of time how much money to set aside.

so I looked over the forums and I haven't really found the answer to my question, if anything I'm more confused than when I started.
my question is what grit stone would be the best option for me if I only plan of maintaining a single razor by touching it up once stropping no longer works.

I have a strop and am planning on pasting one side of it with .5 chromium oxide. I can't remember were I read it but someone said stropping on that is a equivalent or a replace the 12k stone (no idea if that true or not) so would my best option be getting an 8k stone, stropping on chromium oxide and finishing on leather? or should I get a 12k stone or is that unnecessary if I have a pasted strop? or would a hone even be necessary if I have a pasted strop? because if it is abrasive and a high grit count wouldn't I theoretically be able to hone using only that and some extra passes?

(sorry if this is worded a little weirdly, I'm having trouble framing my exact question)

With my limited experience and level of knowledge, I'd say the Norton 4k/8k combo would work well. 8k for most touch ups, 4k if it needs a little extra work. Again, if I was in your shoes, that's what I'd buy

Chris

A Norton 4k/8k or a naniwa 3k/8k would be sufficient. Just remember not to strop on the CrOx everyday. Only when you need a little touch up.

anyone have any experience with DMT diamond stones? SRD sells them and I just noticed the 12k is $45 but the 8k is $68. the NANIWA 12K IS $72. SO JUST WONDERING IF THOES ARE A GOOD OPTION.

Originally Posted by keokitsune

anyone have any experience with DMT diamond stones? SRD sells them and I just noticed the 12k is $45 but the 8k is $68. the NANIWA 12K IS $72. SO JUST WONDERING IF THOES ARE A GOOD OPTION.

The DMT you're looking at is a 1200 grit, not a 12K

For just touch up maintenance, you really can't go wrong with the Naniwa 12k. It's a very hone to learn and use. No soaking required and a very consistent stone. That will keep your razors going for a while for sure.

If I remember correctly 0.5 Crox is approx 30k.

Paste is for when the razor just starts to tug. It will bring it back to shave ready. Eventually this will not be the case and you will need to take the razor back to a stone to get it properly shave ready. As long as you don't let the razor slip too far you can go for a fair while before needing to hone. You can easily shave off of a 8k stone although many like the extra keenness of a 12k. 1mic paste is approx a 12k and the .5mic is approx 30k. Hope this helps to clarify a little

Theoretically you could just strop on Chrome Ox off an 8k or just keep your honed razor shaving indefinitely with Chrome Ox and leather, but…

You have to learn to strop first. Chances are you will damage or round the edge learning to strop. A pasted strop will remove an edge as quickly and easily as it will polish one.

The finer your edge when you polish with Chrome the finer your finished edge will be. Finish on the highest grit stone you have, then polish on Chrome and Cerium if you have it. Each will produce their own edge.

Stones sharpen the edge, paste make the edge comfortable.

I ended up getting a naniwa 12000 as a present from someone. I figure if I do a quick touch up about once a month I shouldn't need the lower grit stones. and if I do it would be a step down in cost as I already have the pricy one.

Diamonds are for ladies, lapping your stones, razor repairs/corrections and knives, otherwise as very coarse work. Please forget about the pastes & sprays, a quality barber stone or Naniwa 12K will keep your razors going "to infinity and beyond". Pay attention to the advice you are taking in, is it advice from someone who has a bit of experience or not.