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This question is for the gents that have used them all...
I've already got Eschers, Thuringians, numerous coticules (from great to not so great), a Shoubudani and Oozuko, both Level 5 Asagis. Will the Zulu Grey be a worthwhile addition? Can it do anything for me besides what I can do for myself now, or am I barking up that same old familiar tree searching for shave Nirvana?
Thanks in advance for the thoughts...
You do ask a hard question. I have the Zulu. It's a nicely cut and ground product. Very min. lapping needed. I use mine as a finishing stone. No regrets for buying it.
Do you have the Suehiro Gokumyo 20k? It's an excellent finisher. I have all the naturals you mentioned and then some, and hardly use them anymore. I really like the 20k. Compared to your Coti's and Jnats, you'll find it's very easy to use. No guess work, No slurry, No diluting, No Nagura, Tomonagura etc...
I use it in conjunction with the Shapton GS series hones, up to 16k, then finish on the 20k.
If you do a search for "Zulu" you'll find recent, and not so recent, threads on the merits of the Zulu stone. As with most shaving related items, the YMMV kicks in. Some guys like them, others do not. From your description of your current honing arsenal, similar to mine except for the J-nats, I don't see where a Zulu would add anything, but I am an Escher freak, and when you've got steak why settle for hamburger ? OTOH, if you're an HAD sufferer it is always a case of "on to the next one." (I know that from personal experience)
How many razors you have? Do you enjoy them all or you have some favorites that you always use?
I myself like variety. I enjoy all the finishers I have. Hone on 4 cotis, only 2 make finishers that I enjoy, I love my turi's and Eschers, I love my Zulu too and Gokumoyo20k. They all give worthy edges that I enjoy. Some blades better on some stone than others, but overall all good.
So, if you enjoy variety, then yes, it will add to you as a finisher. If you are looking for simplicity and just plain sharp and smooth, then the Gokumyö is all you need after a 12k Nani/16k SG/10k Chossera/or anything similar. Just my opinion!
Double O
You pretty much answered your own question :rofl2:Quote:
Originally Posted by Druid
Why did you get an Escher and a Thüringen :shrug:
And you own two J-nats :shrug:
I think you are looking for one of us to verify that you have HAD :p
QUOTE=gssixgun;1325677]You pretty much answered your own question :rofl2:
Why did you get an Escher and a Thüringen :shrug:
And you own two J-nats :shrug:
I think you are looking for one of us to verify that you have HAD :p[/QUOTE]
LoL!! Its only HAD if the money you spend is disruptive to your everyday survival. Otherwise, its a rock collection :).
I joke!! The only thing I'll say though actually pertains to the above mindset. If you are only honing your own razors, learning each stone takes a considerable amount of time. Hence, adding another to your collection might prove to distract you from that which you already have - kind of like adultery.
But if having an arsenal on hand is your thing? Go for it!
HAD???
There could be a touch of that involved, but, I don't want a stone just for the sake of adding another stone. First, I can't really discuss a Zulu based on what I read, so I'd like to try a few razors on one. Second, I always feel that maybe, just maybe there's another stone that could up my game just slightly. Maybe one that was shone on during a certain phase of the moon.
I did do a search and read many of the threads about the Zulu, but still the nagging question. I also have considered the Gokumyo 20K, but being a man-made stone, I'm afraid it just might be a bit too harsh for me, like even the SS12K is most of the time. And the SG20K carries a fairly steep price tag for the privelege of testing one.
So, I'd dearly love to try them all, but I'm already storing more than a few stones that have not panned out and earned their keep, so to speak. To compound the problem, I generally don't buy and sell ... I buy and keep.
So, thanks for all the thoughts, but I guess you're right .. It's a decision I'll have to come to grips with ..
Simply put then, straight up, a Zulu will not deliver any better an edge then an Escher can, if that good..
If you didn't own an Escher then it would be a good thought, but owning both for any reason other then HAD is a waste of money IME/IMHO
I am testing my 3rd Zulu for other people, still don't own one because I have an excellent Escher but I am having fun with them
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." :gl:
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?Quote:
Originally Posted by JimmyHAD
Quote:
Originally Posted by thebigspendur
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.
Attachment 163628
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 :gl:
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.....:rock:
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...
