Thread: Preferred Side of Gokumyo 20k

I am curious:

Is there anyone who has used both sides of the SG 20k and noticed any difference in performance of each side?

I just received mine last week and did some honing on it this past weekend. Mine is a 3rd generation stone and I have only used the bottom side so far.

I am not opposed to using the stamped side if there is proof that it performs better. It just took so long to lap one side, I'd hate to have to do it again if it is not needed.

If the stone is made up of homogeneous material, I don't see why there would be a difference.

I would imagine they are the same, that the material goes all the way thru homogeneously.

I don't know though, mine came on a rubber base, and there it shall remain

Originally Posted by Birnando

I would imagine they are the same, that the material goes all the way thru homogeneously.

I don't know though, mine came on a rubber base, and there it shall remain

My thoughts are the same, however, I have read several threads talking about how their has been some inconsistencies (discoloration, performance, etc.) between the stamped and base sides. I believe I read somewhere that Stu recommended using the stamped side on the 1st and 2nd generation stones.

So far I have only honed 6 razors on it, but the results have been fantastic. Makes me wish I could make my hair grow back so that I could shave test more than 1-2 razors at a time.

Originally Posted by sdj1214

So far I have only honed 6 razors on it, but the results have been fantastic. Makes me wish I could make my hair grow back so that I could shave test more than 1-2 razors at a time.

Yeah, that stone is something else.
Possibly the very finest finisher I have ever played around with

Originally Posted by Birnando

Yeah, that stone is something else.
Possibly the very finest finisher I have ever played around with

All this type of talk is what led me to order mine. It arrived Friday and I will take her on her maiden voyage tomorrow.

Received mine a few days ago...it did not require a lot of lapping but I chose the stamped side. I did not see the stamp as something to revere like the Jnats...this thing is a worker bee, a leaf cutting ant, and wonderful. I wanted to find a good size Escher but was priced out of that market and wanted something just beyond my 12k Naniwa. This stone has feedback and really turns your crank when you see swarf on a 20K hone after a few strokes....I wish I could afford naturals of this quality.....I really like this hone and Stuart is the archetype of an old fashioned vendor, personal, professional, and knowledgeable.

After seeing and testing the results from Bill's 20K at our recent meetup I ordered one 2 weeks ago but you guy's must have got the last of them for now Mine will ship when the supplier gets a new batch to Stewart. Apparently this stone is in great demand.

WW243 and coach - just curious when you ordered yours?

I have two 20K's at my house right now before I send one back to the owner. Having two in hand, I can say that they are VERY consistent. I have had two yg eschers in hand and immediately could tell the difference in them, not so on the 20K. I've got only 20 razors "experience" on the 20K so far, but I do have to say it's a top notch finisher. You can overhone on it though...but it was an effort to literally try and do it. It will not replace a few of my precious finishers, but it has a permanent home alongside my finishers & makes it to the "top 3" at my home.

Mmmmokay...

Based on this feedback I will not worry about using the bottom side of the SG 20k. I guess until someone can prove the stamped side produces better results, I will leave my stamp