Thread: Naniwa 12k, thick or thin ?

The superstones are available in a thick and a thin version- does anyone have both to report advantages or issues?

your knowledge appreciated.

The thicker hone in a hone holder raises the top surface up and gives my hand more room to work.
Thick hones last longer, esp if you lap them frequently.
All of the above is my opinion and I am a non paid spokesperson.

If I could do it over, thick. Seriously thinking about gluing mine to glass.

Originally Posted by Scareface

The thicker hone in a hone holder raises the top surface up and gives my hand more room to work.
Thick hones last longer, esp if you lap them frequently.
All of the above is my opinion and I am a non paid spokesperson.

Yea, about it. When i bought a new set they were the thicker ones to replace the thin ones I had.

Bob

Originally Posted by Scareface

The thicker hone in a hone holder raises the top surface up and gives my hand more room to work.
Thick hones last longer, esp if you lap them frequently.
All of the above is my opinion and I am a non paid spokesperson.

On the 1K I think the thicker hone is worth it because when setting the bevel you use this stone more then the 3 or 5K naniwa there the next most used. when it comes to the 8-12K naniwa there really not used enough to do sufficient wear. If I do order a new 1K it will be the thick one and I will epoxy it to the top of the old one so I can use the stand it came with. I really like those plastic bases better than the screw type.

What is the thickness of the thick ones?

I have only seen the 3/8’s ones. Mine is maybe 10 years old, the pink ones mounted on a plastic base and used almost daily, on every razor, still about ½ in thick.

Don’t think it matters much as even lapped before and sometimes during each use, just a couple of swipes, very little material is removed.

I contemplated this when I bought my 8k and 12k. My thinking went along the lines of 'What is the likely hood of actually using up the stone in my lifetime?' I purchased the thin 1cm ones . I have noticed that my 8k is now thinner than my 12k from use, I'm a flat fanatic. I think it will still out last me. I wonder more about how thin they can get before the need to be glued to marble tile or other just for stability. I use them on top of a wood block so height is not an issue and there are no clamps to ever be in the way.


"I don't even buy green bananas anymore" George Burns

I sold my naniwa superstones awhile back. I had bought the thick stones. More $ but at the time I bought them I felt the thicker stones were worth the money. I also went with the thick (1") Norton 4 & 8 and I'm keeping those. I suppose the choice of thick or thin depends on how much honing you anticipate doing. If it is just maintenance for yourself the thin ones will last a lifetime. Especially if you're already an old guy ...... ........ OTOH, I would get the thick ones if I were buying them again.

Anyone know how thin a Naniwa stone can get before flexing or breaking is a problem?


Modine had a Norton 4/8 at the KC meet that was laughably thin.

I bought the thicker one- it was only a few dollars more and I will likely never need to buy another one!