Thread: Natural Stones

Can anybody tell me anything about natural hones?

Originally Posted by jte87

Can anybody tell me anything about natural hones?

Search is your friend

I see them everywhere I go. It's literally driving me mad! I lap each and every one of them secretly in my mind, you see.

Originally Posted by jte87

Can anybody tell me anything about natural hones?

Have you checked out the SRP library here ........ Category:Hones - Straight Razor Place Library ? Some info there. You can also do a forum search for 'natural' and pick up on some threads from the past.

I sent an email to The Perfect Edge but never heard back. I've checked out some of the older threads but am about as confused as I was before.

jte87 - how much do you know about honing with synthetics?

I ask because generally, when speaking of naturals, one compares it to a synthetic.

For example, most naturals are used to finish your blade, so 12k + "grits". PHIGS, JNats, Esher's etc...

People claim they give a smoother shave than synthetics. The jury is your face though.

Of course, there are many naturals under the 12k synthetic range. Coti's with slurrys. Belgian Blues, etc are all fine stones used to get you to your finisher.

There is a lure to natural stones. I know I love em. But they are all temperamental and assigning them a real grit like a synthetic is impossible.

Naturals in my opinion are great, but should really only be used after knowing how to use your synthetics. Your synthetic is your benchmark... Or your mainstays.

The other thing about naturals is guys are passionate about them - and loyal. The rules are ment to be broken with them hence, I fully expect someone to pick up on something I said about an example I gave and go wild lol!!

Have fun.

Originally Posted by jte87

I sent an email to The Perfect Edge but never heard back. I've checked out some of the older threads but am about as confused as I was before.

Its not really surprising he didn't reply given the breadth of the subject and the open-ended nature of your question. Give the guy a break, he makes his living by working hard, so I doubt that he has tbe time to write a small book on the subject, gratis, just for you!

As for your admission of being obsessive even over a grill, then I would take that as a good sign to leave naturals well alone and stick with synthetics. Not only are naturals one-of-a-kind, varying wildly within the same type of stone, but they take a while to learn and get the best from, much longer than synthetics.

Try the conventional way of learning with known synthetics that give proven results rather than trying to run before you can walk. You will save yourself a lot of headaches and frustration.

Besides, you have the answer to your question in the archives and hone postings on this forum. All you have to invest is your own time and effort.

Regards,
Neil

Man up jte87, this is a site for super men, fearless, eccentric wielders of open blades. As noted, the search box informs. And listen to Hirlau except he meant an Escher, not Coticule.

Originally Posted by jte87

Can anybody tell me anything about natural hones?

Do you have some questions ?

Before Jacob layed his head on the stone, he lapped it.