Thread: Using the Chinese 12K

I thought I would share my first use with the Chinese stone. When I received the stone it needed to be flattened like all stones. I used a Makita oscillating palm sander using 100,220. and 320grit in steps. That really was fast and it worked great. I started with a Dovo stainless blade and went at it. It takes a while and it is a slow stone but it can make a razor seriously sharp. I have other stones like Shapton's but I can't fault this very low priced stone. YMMV but this chinese 12K stone is a class act regardless of its low price.
Jerry1

I am surprised you got it evenly flat all the way across with an oscillation sander don't think I could have. Anyway the C12k stone I have will leave a very sharp razor and for the price I can't complain at all. It has been mentioned before, but the C12k seems to be hit and miss. I got lucky and sounds like you did also. Slurry will speed up the stone some. Good luck with the honing.

I wonder if it matters what vendor you get your PHIGs from. I also have one that gives really smooth sharp edges. I got it from Woodcraft. Where did you guys get yours from?

I got mine from a guy from Poland on Ebay.

I had one for a while and my experience is pretty much the same as yours except mine came lapped. They are a slow stone. It's good to start off on slurry and then finish on plain water. Gave a very smooth finish though.

I've used the C12k for a few years and I have gotten good results. I did pick up the DMT Mini Diamond Whetstone for quick lapping and it works great. Just google it and you'll be happy with how easy and quick this little guy flatten out your stone.

Big Greg

I also got my C12k from Woodcraft and have gotten good results. Like others, I've found using a slurry helps speed it up. I used my Norton lapping stone (220) to whip up a quick slurry. I dilute the slurry down gradually and end with plain water.

Many people have noted how hard this stone is to flatten. After I used the palm sander it was very close to flat. I then used a DMT
for only 10-15 minutes. That made it truly flat. Very fast to do.

PS: I got my stone on E-Bay

It is a good stone. Overlooked quite a bit. For the price, you can't beat it. I got one at Woodcraft, and one from a friend in Hong Kong. Both work well. No complaints here. Slurry definitely helps this slow cutter, but your patience is rewarded.

P.S. Thumbs up to Jerry with the Palm Sander! I don't think I could have done that either.