Thread: Working With The African Silkvein

Hey guys,
Just some words on my session tonight with the African Silkvein. I've had the stone for about a year now. I've only finished five razors on this stone, each time coming off a Norton 8K. I used water only, 50 laps to achieve great shaves off it. I've never slurried it, so there is no feedback from me on that.

Tonight I choose 2 vintage razors to finish on it;

The first was a Wade & Butcher, "The Celebrated", a Max Sprecher restoration.
The second was a Jon. Engstrom Kan-Tan-Ka-Rus "Red Devil"

Preshave: Utterly Smooth
Cream: Taylor Of Old Bond Street Eton College
Shavex alum bar
Thayers Lavender Witch Hazel

Very close, smooth, with no irritation.

Norton 8K, African Silkvein 50 laps water only, stropped with a Neil Miller shell Cordovan & genuine natural linen 40/60

I had been asked to compare the African Silkvein to the Zulu Grey. The only real obvious difference is the speed; the Silkvein is a faster cutting stone. I believe the Zulu to be harder & slower. I have honed more razors on the Zulu & gotten better shaves on a couple of the razors honed on the Zulu. I truly cannot put the Silkvein in front of the Zulu as far as performance; then again,,, my experience on the Silkvein is limited to only a few razors at this time.

The African Silkvein is a nice finisher, with minimal effort.

Thanks for your time,
Hirlau