Thread: Thoughts on the Zulu?

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

SS12K edges felt smooth to my face which goes to show the YMMV. I was big on trying new stones for awhile but thankfully I finally remembered something a friend told me in 1987 and took it to heart, "If you can't be satisfied with what you have, you'll never be satisfied with what you get."

For many who have aquisition disorders it's all about the chase. The decision to buy, the planning, the research, the anticipation, the act of ordering and waiting for it to arrive and unwrapping and examining your treasure. Then the reality sets in. Why did I ever buy this?

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

For many who have aquisition disorders it's all about the chase. The decision to buy, the planning, the research, the anticipation, the act of ordering and waiting for it to arrive and unwrapping and examining your treasure. Then the reality sets in. Why did I ever buy this?

There's a lot of truth to this. I remember this phase of the disorder.

I don't suffer this stage of the affliction much anymore. Today, it's more hoping to find the "Sword in the Stone," that magic bullet that will impart a laser edge beyond anything known to man. I think I'm also getting past this stage in my sickness, as I realize before it even arrives that it will be no better than the others, and hopefully, not worse.

But, I do have the odd moment when I think .... Just maybe!

Thanks for all the thoughts ... I may or may not follow through to appease my curiosity.

Hi. I recently acquired a ZG 8x3 and am learning its merits even as I continue to develop my own honing abilities. It gave a finished edge on a TI and a Swedish blade that was definitely better (finer scratch pattern) than my cnat and was maybe slightly finer than my CF as well. Shave felt smoother than the last go with the TI after stropping on felt and bridal leather too.
So while I do not have an Escher or Jnat in my line up I am pleased with this stone as an improvement that was worth the dough. I will still hope to add an Escher at some point if the stars align, but based on others reviews, and my own extremely novice experiences, it is a worthy finisher.

Under the 60x loupe the surface seems gray with darker gray dots evenly peppered across its surface. Very smooth to the touch I've tried water slurry and light oil on different razors so far and am having a lot of fun chasing an ever finer edge with all my stones, and razors.
YMMV though of course.
Cheers.

Bottom line here is if you are curious about the Zulu, get one and try it on for size. According to your present hone list, the Zulu will probably be the least expensive. I had one, sold it and shortly thereafter I ordered another Zulu to replace it. HAD

For the record, my second ZULU stone seems harder than the first one I "had". This one requires at least 50 no pressure finish strokes and as many as 150 depending on the razor. Also, the second one produces a very durable edge. I LIKE IT.....

Hi Folks,

Just wanted to say thanks for the positive comments in this thread - I'm so pleased that your Zulu Grey hones are earning their place in your collections
I wanted to also just point out that I've posted a general announcement in the vendors section, so if you're interested please do check it out

Thanks again,
- Mike

I do all my standard work on Shapton Glass and I am super happy with the results, yet I often finish on the Zulu because I like the feel and romance of the natural stone. Is it necessary? No way. The 16k is just fine. I think I am rationalizing in some way and forcing it to fit in my progression because I just like the stone.. And since it doesn't seem to take me backward I let the mental games continue...