Thread: SG20K or Zulu Gray?

So, been honing for about 5 months or so... stuff off ebay that has no edge or a bad edge. Really enjoying, and getting some nice edges out of them!

Currently I have a Chosera 1K, SS 5K, 8K 10K and 12K. Looking to add another finishing stone to really get some silky smoothness.

I have been going back and forth between the Zulu Gray, and the Suehiro Gokumyo 20K.

I love the simplicity of the SG20K, quick work it does, and easy of use. But the price is killer.

On the other hand, the Zulu Gray is half the price... but is slower, works best with a slurry, and I will have a "naturals" learning curve since I have only used synthetics.


Thoughts? Is the SG20 worth the price?

And/or, is the ZG worth the learning curve, and the extra work?

Thanks, gents!

Send a couple razors out to someone who hones and has these stones. Have one finished on each. Let your face decide. But I'll say for my own preferences, Suehiro is my choice.

Excellent idea, OCD!

I have had edges from the Zulu Gray, which are fine edges. I dont believe I have had any off the Suehiro, though.

Originally Posted by Aldwyn

Excellent idea, OCD!

I have had edges from the Zulu Gray, which are fine edges. I dont believe I have had any off the Suehiro, though.

Well then you'd only need to send one out. You're half way there.

I've never used the zulu but the SG 20k is worth every penny to me. Will probably last a lifetime ...... OTOH, I'm already 66 years old .........

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I've never used the zulu but the SG 20k is worth every penny to me. Will probably last a lifetime ...... OTOH, I'm already 66 years old .........

So what are you saying? That you're already not buying green bananas? My father in law has twenty years on you and he looks like he has another 40 in queue. I say you grind at least 3/4 of it before you go.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I've never used the zulu but the SG 20k is worth every penny to me. Will probably last a lifetime ...... OTOH, I'm already 66 years old .........

SOOOO when are you going to sell It Jimmy

Last year I was considering popping for the Japanese Synthetic but I asked a very respected Pro Honer if it was worth the money and he guided me toward the Zulu Grey saying that it would give me the best bang for the buck.

I'm Very Pleased with the ZG. The learning curve wasn't any harder than any synthetic that I've used.

While I do use it with Slurry/I use All of my Hones With Slurry. I then go to clear water. But that's just the way I hone.

This is a Very Good Example that shows that 99.99% of Everything about using and maintaining a Straight Razor is 'Personal Preference'

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

SOOOO when are you going to sell It Jimmy

Bill, when Lynn discovered the SG 20K he told me I'd sell my Eschers if I bought one. I was sceptical, but I had 4 Eschers then, and only have 1 now ...... so the two of those will have to wait for the estate sale after I'm gone.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,. so the two of those will have to wait for the estate sale after I'm gone.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,