Thread: Natural Stones

Neil, thanks for the info.

Not Frankly?

Originally Posted by Lakebound

!

Frank

Originally Posted by WW243

Not Frankly?

You'll be going all Rhett Butler on us in minute....

Hi, I'm in Knoxville and sent you a PM.

Cheers, Steve

These are just my thoughts, nothing more or less.

For me the main difference between natural and synthetic stones is variability. Other things being equal a synthetic stone will more often than not be more uniform than a natural, particularly when considering versions of the same stone. That is, a Norton 4K stone will behave very similarly to any other Norton 4K stone, whereas a Coticule or Jnat will often behave in its own way, even compared to other Coticules or Jnats from even the same vein.

Another thing I've noticed is that, again as a generalisation, a synthetic stone will often be faster than a natural of corresponding grit. I'd suppose that has to do with the nature of the abrasive particles and how they are interspersed within the binding media of the stone.

The upshot is that while honing generally is a skill that is part science and part art, the relative importance of the science and art bits change when considering synthetics and naturals. I'd dare hazard that there's a bit more art to using naturals than there is to using synthetics (though no less skill).

Getting to know your synthetic is a bit easier because others with the same stone can help inform you of particular traits that stand out. Getting to know your natural is a bit more about experimenting for yourself.

James.

Frankly Scarlet, thread ended with the sober words of Jimbo.

Maybe I read it wrong ,but didn't the OP say he didn't even have a strop yet? The cart is way before the horse and the best advise to him would be to start out in the beginning instead of the end . OP take it from me leave the honing to someone else till you can keep shaving well with a properly honed razor that you learn to strop properly , stones are expensive , even synthetics, then meet up with these guys then learn the honing, I,m giving advise that I used and I'm way ahead of where I would be otherwise And I haven't honed a single blade, once the technique is right then you will have a better idea of what your trying to achieve with honing. Just my two cents , I hope it all comes together for you , it's a great addition to your every day life. Tc. By the way I'm in western Tn.

Originally Posted by Jimbo

These are just my thoughts, nothing more or less.

For me the main difference between natural and synthetic stones is variability. Other things being equal a synthetic stone will more often than not be more uniform than a natural, particularly when considering versions of the same stone. That is, a Norton 4K stone will behave very similarly to any other Norton 4K stone, whereas a Coticule or Jnat will often behave in its own way, even compared to other Coticules or Jnats from even the same vein.

Another thing I've noticed is that, again as a generalisation, a synthetic stone will often be faster than a natural of corresponding grit. I'd suppose that has to do with the nature of the abrasive particles and how they are interspersed within the binding media of the stone.

The upshot is that while honing generally is a skill that is part science and part art, the relative importance of the science and art bits change when considering synthetics and naturals. I'd dare hazard that there's a bit more art to using naturals than there is to using synthetics (though no less skill).

Getting to know your synthetic is a bit easier because others with the same stone can help inform you of particular traits that stand out. Getting to know your natural is a bit more about experimenting for yourself.

James.

Well said, Jimbo. That's why they use little 4 cylinder cars at beginner's driving school. All are the same. Easy to learn characteristics and tendencies. Also easier to instruct with. And finally, better for the student as he will have a little 4 cylinder car in all likelyhood. Same with Nortons and Naniwas! JMO

Originally Posted by jte87

Thank you! How do I find someone to learn from? I'm the only person I know of in my area interested in straight shaving.

I checked here, in our list of local helpers in the library.
I didn't see TN there, but perhaps getting in touch with someone there could lead to something

Ya know, our newest Mentor, Pfries, is in Tennesee! Might give him a PM!