Another Chosera 1k Thread....

[Denvernoob]

Ok so let me qualify my remarks by saying I had the privilege of watching and learning from Glen honing in person yesterday at the Denver GTG....an eye opening experience for sure. With that in mind, take everything I have to say here with a grain of salt as I am a fairly new honer, I certainly do not hone in high volume, and my technique when bevel setting still needs some work, though after yesterday I feel like I am still moving in the right direction....

I have a pretty typical setup for beginners....Norton 220/1k, 4k/8k, and a Naniwa 12k finisher. Since I have begun honing, I have found the 4k/8k and 12k to be to my liking, but have never been the biggest fan of the 1k side of the 220/1k hone. It seems to lose cutting "potency" very quickly, and to me seems slow. In fact, I find I spend a lot more time on my 4k to finish a bevel because I think I get far better feedback from that stone, and it also isn't as thirsty....as the 1k requires nearly constant attention with water even after a long soak.

So all of this brings me to the Chosera, which I watched Glen use with ease....not that this should surprise anyone, but there was some discussion about the amount of abrasive in one versus the other. I now, after some thought, am thinking about moving in that direction for my bevel setter. I know the Chosera is a well regarded stone, but I am more interested in knowing thoughts on the 1k and if I will really be pleased with the upgrade considering the up-front cost of the Chosera? I really don't like being on the bevel setter longer than is necessary and feel perhaps a faster stone will get me where I want to go. Am I correct in my observations? Might this be the path for me going forward?

Many thanks for your thoughts in advance! I have a couple of nice vintage razors now in the mail and want to get them dialed in right the first time (a lightly used vintage King Cutter, and a NOS Fili 13 DT JMP. All of this came with some frustrations on the 1k setting the bevel on a NOS DD Goldedge. Problem resolved on that one thanks to Glen!

-Ted

[RezDog]

I recently moved from the Norton 1K to the Chosera. I am quite content with the move. I really like the feel of the Chosera over the Norton. It is faster but not crazy fast, which I also like. It does not require the same same soak time, which I also like. I do not feel that I know this hone well yet, I think I still have things to learn as well.

[alpla444]

Yes I started with a Norton 1k but never seemed happy with it, as you say it has some thirst, I chose the Chosera 1K and been very happy with it, very easy to use and little water required in comparison.

[Sedell]

I moved from the Naniwa Superstone 1k to the Nani Pro 1k quite recently adn I'm very satisfied. For me the feel of the Pro is much nicer. It's fast, but feel smoother to me and I really like that harder feel compared with the Nani SS.

I'm satisfied with my bevel when it 1) looks good and even and 2) is popping hairs all along. I felt that the results stepped up, and came more consistently when I started using the Nani Pro. Of course, since I'm not a seasoned honer, the results might have stepped up on the superstone as well, as a result of experience.

just my thoughts.

Best, Sedell

[celticcrusader]

I have used a few 1K synthetics of various makes in the past and for the last few years I only use the Chosera 1K it's a great stone and I personally think it's the best 1K money can buy, I'm also thinking the Chosera 800 stone could also do the same job If given the opportunity.

[holli4pirating]

If the cost isn't an issue, I cannot think of any reason not to get a Chosera 1k.

[bluesman7]

I have only used a Norton 1k once for a very short time at a meet. I immediately disliked both the feel and performance and went back to using a King with pleasure. I now use a Chosera (now called the Pro by Naniwa). I love my 12k but I regard my 1k and 3k as my most important stones.

[Euclid440]

So, the terms faster, honing and novice, used in concert, always seem to foretell, “Issues”. Setting a bevel, is not where you want to cut corners, on time or effort.

The Chosera is a fine stone, I have used one for years, but recently I pulled out my old Norton 1k after not having used it in as many years. It worked just fine and really, not all that much different than the Chosera, certainly not as different as many claim or I remember.

The Chosera feels smoother than the Norton, but both produce the same 1k edge, not better, just a different feel, because of the way the binder breaks down, both have 1k grits.

Trust me, the problems you experienced were not the fault of the stone. As have been said many times, a “Better”, (More Expensive) stone will NOT make you a better honer…

If it makes you happy, buy the Chosera, but you will just have to LEARN how to use it also…

[Kristian]

Well a lot of people talks about hones, but almost every time only on the finisher. The real key to honing is the bevel setting. I to moved from King to Naniwa SS 1 K. The chosera should be a little better, but the SS 1k is really, really great.

A great bevel setter will improve every hone result. The progression from there is open to experimentation, different hones, methods of honing, pressure, strokes, naturals with/without slurry, water, oil.... You get the picture.

However nothing will work if you haven't set the bevel correct.

I find that going all the way with the SS hones 3k, 8 and 12k is great when honing af new razor. The same progression gives me complete control over the process and I'm free to concentrate on the razor.

When I have learned what I need about the razor, hardness of steel, defects, ect.
If the razor is my own, and I want it in my rotation, I go back to 8k, and finish on the preferred finisher for that razor. A coticule, mostly, but sometimes I use a Escher instead.

That gives me a smooth and comfortable shave. I shave everyday, 3 passes. So my razors needs to be in top condition or I'll have razor burn. It's a great feeling, to shave with a perfectly honed razor.

But back to the point. It's all comes down to the bevel.

I'm sure a Chosera will do you great, but just as sure a Naniwa SS will serves you too. Did you try Glens Chosera? Or did you just think it looked great? Every hone will look great when used by Glen. He's in a category for himself. One of the best honers in the world.

You need to try the hone first yourself, before buying. You will feel it instantly, if the hone suits your style of honing. It's just like buying a chef knife. You will need to try it, feel the weight in your hands, the balance. Everything needs to be perfect because, your bevel depends on it.

I hope this clarify things a bit. I'm sure there is someone close to you with the Chosera or Naniwa you could try. You could try mine for sure, but I live in Denmark, with is a bit to far away for a casual honing trip. :-)

[cubancigar2000]

I went from the Naniwa 1K to the pro 1K about a year ago and never looked back. I now just use the old Naniwa for knives. You will most certainly be happy