Apache natural hone

I have 4 stratas and two reds, the greys are slightly slower than the darker greys and the reds are faster with better feedback to me. the reds remind me of a surgical black in feedback but smokes the arkie in speed. the edge quality I don't see much shaving difference, if any between the stones. I love them all but the reds are my favorite finisher at this time.20x strokes off the coti and I can shave off the stone, still strop the razor well but could shave without it, I did it as a trial. actually now I prefer the red edge to the coti edge, I use wedges most all the time and they are silent and deadly whisker whackers. the reds leave the edge smooth and no irritation or a/s burn or sting at all. all I get is a cold tingle, to me that says a lot and the stones I have from terry are some of the best I have ever used. all I can say to the ones that haven't used one yet don't know what they are missing, 100% thanks to Terry for bring these stones to us.

I did the best I could comparing scratch patterns between the stones up to 100x and there I cannot detect any difference between them until I compare the slower stone .that is where it goes from a scratch to no scratch pattern, almost invisible mirror.so you may be right about the lighter ones just burnishing the edge, but following up on it after the red is the best edge I ever experienced.

I wouldn't go so far as to say every tan/beige stone will not cut; remember these are natural stones, so there could be variances even for hones cut from the same piece of stone. But the example I purchased did not cut at all, so he replaced it. Very good customer service, so I wouldn't worry about it happening if anyone's thinking about purchasing one, he will take care of you. I would venture to guess that the tan stones do more burnishing/polishing rather than cutting on average than the darker stones however, but that isn't always a bad thing. For some razors it can put on a wicked sharp and so smooth edge.

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Originally Posted by eKretz

I wouldn't go so far as to say every tan/beige stone will not cut; remember these are natural stones, so there could be variances even for hones cut from the same piece of stone. But the example I purchased did not cut at all, so he replaced it. Very good customer service, so I wouldn't worry about it happening if anyone's thinking about purchasing one, he will take care of you. I would venture to guess that the tan stones do more burnishing/polishing rather than cutting on average than the darker stones however, but that isn't always a bad thing. For some razors it can put on a wicked sharp and so smooth edge.

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Yes my beige Apache seems to put a very nice finish so far for the razors I've done. Nothing scientific yet but have been very happy with it.

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Originally Posted by RoyalCake

Yes my beige Apache seems to put a very nice finish so far for the razors I've done. Nothing scientific yet but have been very happy with it.

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I was wondering how you like that stone Shane....

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Originally Posted by Wolfpack34

I was wondering how you like that stone Shane....

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You know it's funny, it's the cheapest natural I have but for now I'm finding it to be the most consistent and predictable one.
There are probably sharper edges out there but they're just really comfortable to me.
Then again I haven't had time to get into the La Lune yet :)

For a small chunk of change and a new toy to play with later in the week, I bit on a small one.

only thing is, he who buy smaller stone wish he had popped on a greater size stone. you will like it though.

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Originally Posted by kn4wd

only thing is, he who buy smaller stone wish he had popped on a greater size stone. you will like it though.

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I can see this happening.
The draw of the smaller stone and low price tag gets my foot in the door for a nominal fee.
No kids, no dogs, no wife = Larger initial stone purchase :p

This looks fun either way - I already have a blade set aside for the initial test run (after lapping...)
Terry is on-the-spot too - it's shipping out today.

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/a...pache_back.jpg

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/a...ache_front.jpg

Damn, I was looking at that one. Nice stone.

I just blew the budget on entry Jnats and now I'm looking at these and the Zulu.

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Originally Posted by tab

I can see this happening.
The draw of the smaller stone and low price tag gets my foot in the door for a nominal fee.
No kids, no dogs, no wife = Larger initial stone purchase :p

This looks fun either way - I already have a blade set aside for the initial test run (after lapping...)
Terry is on-the-spot too - it's shipping out today.

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/a...pache_back.jpg

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/a...ache_front.jpg

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As it turns out the size is fine and the stone is nice to work with. Feel and feedback is great, the edge is fine, and is easily shave ready.

I haven't decided if this or the SS12k will be the final stone before stropping and use. Similar results, but pressure and stone order will come into play.