Thread: Anyone using Apache stones ?

I'm getting ready to test the waters in the honing world. I thought that a good place to start would be with a finishing stone doing touchups. After that, I'll work my way down through the coarser grit stones and end up with a bevel setter. I've had the Apache strata recommended to me by someone that's been doing this since the 70's whose opinion I highly respect.
I'd love to hear anything that anyone has to offer information wise about these stones. Give me the good, the bad and the ugly. I also saw on their website that they have an Apache red stone. Anyone using those?? If so, any feedback would be good.
Thanks for any info!

Pete <:-}

The"search" is your friend

http://straightrazorpalace.com/hones...ural-hone.html

Originally Posted by mainaman

Then"search" is your friend

http://straightrazorpalace.com/hones...ural-hone.html

Thanks for the search link. Looks like I've got some reading to do.

Pete <:-}

I have a small Apache Strata that is a great stone. I've only finished 1 razor on it, but the resulting edge was amazing.

Just as good as my best jnat edges. Works great on plain water. I have yet to test slurry.

I have found them to give pretty good edges personally, but not great. I have both a tan version and a gray. My tan stone is both smoother and keener than my grey. A little more harsh ATG than a good JNat or translucent Ark edge in my experience, but I have very sensitive neck/jawline ATG.

If he is going to mentor you… do what he recommends.

Personally I would use a synthetic stone, a 12K Super Stone, but I am not mentoring you...

I like the apaches. To me they're like a really really good natural barbers hone. Great for a quick touch up and simple as pie to use. It's not really my go to finisher, but definitely a stone I like to have around.

I am on my second Apache.. nothing wrong with the first one, I just wanted more real estate.

I find it gives me a good consistent finish, water only. I can't lie though, I just picked up a Thuri to play with. So far it hasn't replaced the Apache, but that's not the stones fault.. I just haven't figured the Thuri out.

Consider yourself lucky you've found a mentor. Follow his/her advice until you are ready to walk on your own.

For the record my apache strata is of the cream variety.

I use with only water. I have finished a few razors now on it. They don't really eat steel so you need to prefinished or finished edge already before heading to the strata. Some extremely keen results though.

Haven't heard of it till now. Looking at the photos in their website, the cream variety looks like a mild stone but maybe I'm wrong.