Thread: ~16k natural stone options

Understanding that all natural stones differ, are there any that land somewhat regularly in the 16k range?

Many variables here I know, and chances are there isn't a yes\no answer to the question. I'm new to honing so I guess I don't know how to better ask the question. Hopefully it can spark a good discussion.

Thuri/Escher will fall in the range.
Prefinishing Jnats will also fall in the category.

What is your current progression, and what kind of edge can you produce with it?
Unless you can get the best of your current set up, you will not get the best results by adding a higher grit hone.

That is a very ahh ....shall we say endless question. hehehehe let the games begin.

If the jnats are in that range, why prefinisher not finisher? Sorry if I'm missing something.

Originally Posted by dmnc

If the jnats are in that range, why prefinisher not finisher? Sorry if I'm missing something.

There are all kinds of grades of J-nats as far as where they fall in the sharpening/honing process. Finishing J-nats are not in that range (~16k) they go higher.

I hope the OP will provide more context to their honing system, this way they will get better feedback/advise.

Originally Posted by mainaman

Thuri/Escher will fall in the range.
Prefinishing Jnats will also fall in the category.

What is your current progression, and what kind of edge can you produce with it?
Unless you can get the best of your current set up, you will not get the best results by adding a higher grit hone.

Currently I have 1,3,4,8, & 12k synthetic stones. On the two practice blades I own I've been getting good results. Tree-topping arm hair, hanging-hairs, and comfortable shaves.

I'm very green, no question about that. Blade restoration is definitely beyond my limited skill at this time. Setting a good bevel at 1-3k and polishing it up to 12k seems to be going very well so far though.

Just curious if a natural stone would add anything at this time so I wanted to read up on items people may suggest.

Honestly I use Arkansas stones and slate hones for the most part.I use what I have easy access to which means arks and slate hones.are there better? Depends on who you ask and what your personal style is IMO ymmv .

I think you have a naniwa set stones. I have this naniwa's set: 800-2k-5k-12k .
i have used this set for long time, but the last month i bought a natural finishing stone ( charnley forest that's about 15k grit) because I wanted to see if there were real differences( lot of people says that's good for finish).
When i use Charnley forest, the results are: the depth of cut is bit less deep than the naniwa 12k but more comfortable

Originally Posted by tab

Currently I have 1,3,4,8, & 12k synthetic stones. On the two practice blades I own I've been getting good results. Tree-topping arm hair, hanging-hairs, and comfortable shaves.

I'm very green, no question about that. Blade restoration is definitely beyond my limited skill at this time. Setting a good bevel at 1-3k and polishing it up to 12k seems to be going very well so far though.

Just curious if a natural stone would add anything at this time so I wanted to read up on items people may suggest.

A quality natural will improve the edge, however, naturals have some learning curve to them.
I'd suggest something like 20k Suehiro, the hone is very consistent and I think it rivals the best naturals out there. The price tag is also very good.

The 20k Gokumyo is one I've read up on and it sounds great.
I may have to save a little more and make that purchase.