Thread: Please give your opinions on the stones I'll be using to hone razors.

Here are the bench stones I have. I would appreciate opinions on this group or set for honing straight razors. Some I don't plan on using on razors but I'll mention that I have them in case some of you think I should consider using them. I'm referring to the very coarse grits.SHAPTON GLASS BENCH STONES

SHAPTON GLASS BENCH STONES
320 (don't plan on using this on razors)
1k (use only for razors needing lots of work)
4k (this and the 8k and 16k for normal use when it's time to hone)
8k
16k EP stone (1"x6")


SHAPTON GLASS EDGE PRO STONES
500
1k
2k
4k
6k
8k
16k

If anyone thinks I should use the Ep size stones so I can get a closer grit change in the grit progression.. I would much rather use the larger stones but I am getting used to using the smaller stones on my two razors. I won't buy more bench stones to have grits closer to gether. Not now anyway. For a better grit progression I'll use the small stones.

I also have a Spyderco fine and UF grit 2x8" stones. I find the UF stone leaves a very smooth finish and edge in the 3-4k grit range.

My preferrence is to use the Shapton glass bench stones 1k, 4k, 8k and then the 16k EP stone. Then strop. How does this sound to you guys. Feel free to suggest alternate stones but keep in mind I'll only consider more stones (for now) if another one is NEEDED. If anyone suggests another stone just because you prefer it that's great but I'm hoping what I have now is workable.

Right now I seem to be stuck in the rut of being able to get the razors very usable but they don't have the crispness that came on the shave-ready razor I bought. I'm assuming my skill will improve because I practice honing even though for now, they are as sharp as I can get them. Most of you guys say less is better and I understand that but without a lot of practice I'll never get to the skill level that I need to achieve the truely "shave-ready" edge I want and need. Thanks for your thoughts.

Jack

Spend more time setting bevel on the 1k and see if your razors get better. Your progression 148 sounds like mine up to the last . I use a 12k Nani to end and have a Zulu coming that I hope I notice a difference in the shave when I use it. The 320 or 500 you could use to get chips out with before bevel set. You have plenty of nice hones.

All those stones wil be useful for different situations..

Shapton or a Naniwa series are best