Thread: BBW in the Middle of a Naniwa SS Progression?

I use a number of different stones. Some razors (like my Hart Steel) just do not interface well with my coticule and Zulu Grey. So, for that and a number of other blades I use Naniwa SS stones.
Currently my Naniwas are 1k (used only for bevel setting), 5k, 8k, and 12k.
I also have a BBW which is around 4k and my Zulu Grey is about 10k.
Question is-were I to be so inclined to work these natural stones in the SS progression, is that advisable? I really am not wanting to purchase another Naniwa or two. I can't really see where it would be detrimental to the final edge product, but I figured it prudent to ask. Thanks...

Questions

Do you feel that you could get a CCS off the 8k ???

Have you tried the old system of 1k bevel set BBW mid range Coticule finish ???

How/when are you using the Zulu now ???


The questions are more about how comfortable you feel with honing not how I would approach it

I can get a great shave off just the coticule with a full hollow (or more) grind blade. Often I will use the Zulu as a finisher after the coticule, sometimes not If it's a heavier grind the 5k-12k progression is used. Sometimes I'll use the Zulu to take the edge down just a tadvafter the 12k. I truly like a coticule edge over a synthetic. All my blades' bevels are set on s Naniwa SS 1k.

So, are you trying to bridge the 1-5k gap, with the BBW?

The 1-5 gap, is not “that” big of a jump, and you can minimize it some, by prior to moving up, joint the 1k edge and reset with 10-20 light laps on the 1k. This will smooth out the 1k stria, so the 5k has an easier time.

Then on the 5k, use some pressure and do a series of circles 20 at a time until all the 1k stria is removed. Then Joint the edge and reset with X laps and lay down an even 5k stria pattern.

The other thing is, grit rate your BBW. Hone the razor at 5k and lay down an even 5k stria pattern. Mark the razor midway between the heel and toe with a sharpie from edge to spine on both sides. Now hone the toe half of the razor on the BBW, without slurry, keeping the sharpie mark on the edge of the 5k stone.

Now compare the stria on the toe and the heel. If they match or are close that will give you an idea of where your stone is, in approximate grit.

Many of the coticule backing stones, and some separate BBW stones are finer than the garden variety BBW. So, test them, it could be a finisher.

Originally Posted by Phoenix51

I can get a great shave off just the coticule with a full hollow (or more) grind blade. Often I will use the Zulu as a finisher after the coticule, sometimes not If it's a heavier grind the 5k-12k progression is used. Sometimes I'll use the Zulu to take the edge down just a tadvafter the 12k. I truly like a coticule edge over a synthetic. All my blades' bevels are set on s Naniwa SS 1k.

You are kinda all over the place at the finishing end...

You have to have an actual testing protocol that works for you ever single time so that you know exactly what the stones are doing for you

Now when I was really testing stones my goto was after the Norton 8k I knew that hone so well I could tell exactly what the new stone was doing for or against me...

For instance if I were going to work the Zulu into my routine I would have gone up through the 8k then added the Zulu done 20 laps on a leather strop and test shaved,, that would give me a base performance for the new stone and would direct me on how I wanted to use it..

Same for the Coti same for the 12k Naniwa etc etc

I am not telling you what to use that is something you need to figure out for yourself because it has to be a level and a hone that you are ABSOLUTELY comfortable with honing and shaving..