Thread: SG20K or Zulu Gray?

I took Lynn's advise and got a mani 12k and SG20. Works great and they produce a very consistent sharp edge. I also found they are aggressive so you don't need a lot of laps to get great results. The SG20 is exceptional in refreshing a blade. 5-7 laps and 15-20 strops on smooth leather and your good to go for months. There not cheap but they will last forever.

I do prefer the G20. Part of that may simply be that I have yet to really learn the best way to use the Zulu Gray... how much slurry? No slurry at all? How many laps? Etc...

The G20 is easy peasy Japaneasy. Literally. 20 or so laps, no slurry, done. Smooth as silk edge.

My favorite thing about the Suehiro 20k is the rubber Toishi Dai (stone holder/base) it came with.

Aww, dont be mean to the G20. I know its not one of your JNats, but it's a JSynth! It still has the J on it.

And it certainly doesn't have the learning curve of a JNat.

I suppose we all have our favorites.

Originally Posted by Wirm

I suppose we all have our favorites.

I was trying to figure out were your rubber toishi dai was! It's the best part- then I saw it. Well played sir.

Haha

I'm glad you're happy with your hone, and I'm thankful that you posited the idea/possibility of one stone synthetic honing with it- that was impressive. What learning curve? I don't know what learning curve you're talking about- a razor quality Japanese whetstone doesn't have a learning curve- it works with from day one. I'll mail you one to play with- and then you can tell me about the learning curve. If you like

With the gok20 I just don't like the fickle nature to induce edge damage, short edge retention and a much much harsher shave than a truly razor quality Japanese whetstone. I've done the lower passes and all- but it changes per steel and it's still not equitable. I like that it's fast like a kiita finisher- but I was expecting it to make a good number of final polishing stones I have, obsolete, to be indiscernible (a cure to HAD- it was long awaited for science to figure it out and I was eager to see the problem had been licked)- it severely missed the mark in both shave/edge quality and edge retention. the difference is between a sharp razor on your skin and a magic wand that silently wipes away hair from my face. The particles are very aggressive. The workaround a lot of guys do is then a few passes on a natural- but switching stones is work to me, when I can do the whole thing on 1 or 2 stones and I don't like honing to be work. I like the stone- just not the shaves. Though amongst synthetics it is one of the best shaves. Along with 12k and strop sprays.

To each their own, but I for one LOVE my SG rubber toishi dai!