Thread: SG 16k or ZG

By the way, the SG16K and the SS12k have very similar particles size. Don't remember the number but some one can come with the facts easier than me at this time (handicap with slow wifi).

I go straight from my Shapton 8k to the ZG. I've found that it helps to lap the ZG before each use and definitely start with a medium slurry dilute once or twice and then some on water and a few final strokes on a barely wet stone - this has given me some of the sharpest and smoothest edges ever and I have a very nice jnat, full set of Shaptons up to 30k, Escher, and a coticule to compare to as well as my old nortons and 12 and 20k synthetics.

I also use my clinical microscope to look at my edges and find the ZG to have very consistent particle size when compared to my coticule for example. It's become my favorite hone and I think when used correctly it is slow but not 100 strokes slow. It is very dense and hard and takes some time and pressure to build a decent slurry with the included slurry stone. I've also used a small dmt to raise a slurry but I don't like stray large diamonds on my finishing hones....

John

Ok John maybe you can give me some advice. I am fairly new to honing and I hone on the Nortons 1,4,8. I am getting close comfortable shaves that are not quite as keen or smooth as I would like and I just got a Zulu with its slurry stone. In your opinion how should I proceed?
You mention in your post about the Zulu being used correctly can you elaborate? And can I go from my Norton 8k edge to the Zulu with slurry or do I need higher pre-finisher? How would you proceed if you were me?

Originally Posted by FranfC

Ok John maybe you can give me some advice. I am fairly new to honing and I hone on the Nortons 1,4,8. I am getting close comfortable shaves that are not quite as keen or smooth as I would like and I just got a Zulu with its slurry stone. In your opinion how should I proceed?
You mention in your post about the Zulu being used correctly can you elaborate? And can I go from my Norton 8k edge to the Zulu with slurry or do I need higher pre-finisher? How would you proceed if you were me?

I think going from any 8K to the ZG is fine. It really helps the density of the slurry on the ZG to lap it and the slurry stone before honing. Developing a decent slurry on the ZG requires a bit of pressure on the slurry stone - more so than with a coticule for example. I do probably around 20 very light stroke on the slurry, add water with my fingers spreading the slurry around and diluting it - another 20 light laps and then dilute to almost no slurry and do 20 weight of the blade laps. Then I rinse the stone well and do 20 weight of the blade strokes on water, rinse again and wipe as much water off with my finger as possible and do do another set of very very light strokes until the stone is almost dry.

John thank you for that detailed and concise reply. I will give that a try,

Originally Posted by FranfC

Ok John maybe you can give me some advice. I am fairly new to honing and I hone on the Nortons 1,4,8. I am getting close comfortable shaves that are not quite as keen or smooth as I would like and I just got a Zulu with its slurry stone. In your opinion how should I proceed?
You mention in your post about the Zulu being used correctly can you elaborate? And can I go from my Norton 8k edge to the Zulu with slurry or do I need higher pre-finisher? How would you proceed if you were me?

There is always more than one way to skin a cat. You should experiment with your stone and find what works best for you.

The last blade I did on the Zulu that came out of the 8k stone and gave a nice shave I did the following.

After I'm certain that I have a good edge from the 8k, I refresh the surface of the Zulu with an Atoma 400 (DMT 325) and raise a slury with it. Slury is white but not pasty, like runny diluted milk (experiment with that). Then I do 20/20/20 or 30/30/30, diluting half each time. Then go to water only for another 40/60 laps, but not before refreshing the surface and then dressing it with an Atoma 1200 or you could use the slury stone to do this. The purpose is to make the surface a little smoother.

If with water only it skips, I use either a very light slury (raise with the slury stone) to avoid the skip or one or two dish washing soap drops on 8oz of water, something to break the water tension and avoid skipping.

I love cats.

Originally Posted by ocelot27

I love cats.

Sorry! I also love all animals. Still eat meat!

Double0, Thank you for the recipe, I know you have put your time in on the Zulu I appreciate the help. Are you still using it for finishing or have you made the move to JNats?
Thanks again FrankC