Thread: Suehiro Gokumyo 20k - is there a finish that needs to be removed?

This may seem like a dumb question but since I can't read Kanji or any form of Japanese I was hoping someone would tell me. Is there a finish on the stone that needs to be removed prior to use? I'm used to the shapton's and my Chosera 1k and Norton 4/8, and they all seem to have a hydrophilic property on the surface. However the SG 20 surface, even after lapping/flattening, seems to be slightly hydrophobic. I don't know if it is they type of material or the fineness of the stone, which then would just fine and just a property of the stone, or if there is something like lacquer that needs to be removed. Could someone enlighten me, or tell me that they have experienced the same thing? It would be a great help. Thanks in advance.

Neil

No. Like any stone, it will need to be lapped. But yes, you will notice that it does not soak up water like a Norton....or even a Super Stone. The water stands up on the stone and does not absorb in the least.

Yup, slightly hydrophobic. Water does not bead up as badly as on a Swaty but if you spread a thin layer of water it will start pulling in from the edges.

Great. That is what I was hoping.

No worries if the water pools a bit as long as it's flat and smooth it should perform just fine.

In another thread re the Gokumyo 20k, it was agreed that it is ideal to grid lap the stone well prior to use. It does not have a film, but is a very hard stone, and there was conjecture on what to use to lap the hone, re scratching it. Most agree that a broken in DMT325 or similarly an Atoma 400. For those who really are against having scratches, wet/dry 1200 paper brings it back to mirror smooth after it is fully lapped by the plates. The stone does not drink, and only requires a splash for it to be ready to go. It is a powerful finishing hone, that challenges the finish of jnats. I have had one for 8 weeks and as an amateur with a 17 razors, I have tested it on four or so razors, enough to determine that this is a quality stone, that will last a long time...expensive...sure, but a chosera 10k is more expensive still. A great hone for a lovely edge. Cheers Bob