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Thread: Thoughts on the Zulu?
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04-17-2014, 02:15 PM #1
Thoughts on the Zulu?
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...
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04-17-2014, 03:03 PM #2
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.
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04-17-2014, 03:07 PM #3
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.Last edited by zib; 04-17-2014 at 03:13 PM.
We have assumed control !
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04-17-2014, 03:07 PM #4
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)
Be careful how you treat people on your way up, you may meet them again on your way back down.
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04-17-2014, 03:40 PM #5
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
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04-17-2014, 04:19 PM #6
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Thanked: 13249
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04-17-2014, 04:56 PM #7
QUOTE=gssixgun;1325677]You pretty much answered your own question
Why did you get an Escher and a Thüringen
And you own two J-nats
I think you are looking for one of us to verify that you have HAD[/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!David
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04-17-2014, 08:47 PM #8
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 ..
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04-17-2014, 09:18 PM #9
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Thanked: 13249Simply 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
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04-17-2014, 10:21 PM #10
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."
Be careful how you treat people on your way up, you may meet them again on your way back down.
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