Thread: Finishing hone best value, Coticule or other??

Originally Posted by Euclid440

Stick with a synthetic progression, the 12k Naniwa is a no-brainer super shaving edge. Few Naturals can compare with it.

Larger is always better.

I keep hearing this, but every time I use a Naniwa 12k edge, I know why I use other means. On my face, it is generally sharp but uncomfortable after the shave, a bit harsh on my skin. There are no absolutes in shaving.

So to the OP, if you are getting the Naniwa 12k anyway: very personally, I would recommend also getting that chromium oxide strop.

Originally Posted by Euclid440

Iron Oxide and Cerium Oxide both work well for a finer edge, Iron Oxide has been used for many years.

I have use both, for years, good Iron Oxide can be purchased inexpensively from Kremer Pigments. I don’t recall where I bought my Cerium Oxide years ago.

The last few years I have use CBN, in place of both, as you can get it in much finer grits that cut much faster.

A .125 or .25um CBN edge is very comfortable and can be stropped on daily, .125um is about 120K grit equivalent. You can go, as small as .10um/ 160k grit, which for me is too keen.

Yes, it is not just about grit size, Paste, polish and cut microscopically where a hone cuts much more aggressively.

If you use a SG20k/.50um stone to finish, you can still polish it further for comfort, with .50um Chrome Oxide or .50um CBN and get 3 different finishes.

If you do too many laps on the SG20 you can easily thin an edge so much, that the edge will fail and chip. The SG20 is a very aggressive stone.

So as above, even though all three are the same grit size, they will deliver much different finished edges. It’s not just grit size that makes the difference.

So you prefer the CBN over chrome oxide, iron oxide, or cerium oxide?

What do you recommend applying CBN (or cerium oxide) to? Polyester canvas? Or something else?

For me best finishing value for stone as a prise , easy to work with and an edge are the barber hones .
I bought a second one in a lot with a 5x2 natural combo coti I think that the coti was the star of the deal After reconditioned the barber hone i dont think so anymore .
For a good fine edge on the coty /and it was a very good one / were needed at least 30 minutes and skills .
The barber hone makes it for about 5 minutes - no skil;s and it makes even the hard rusian razors , usualy hard to hone , to shave like a Jnat finish
All in 20 strokes with water I will try it with lather the next time
I guess that the barber hones are very underestimated hones and for theyre value they got the first place , no doubt abbout it

Hi there

Is CBN the same as diamond paste?

If not what is the difference as a guy over here in Australia told me about CBN paste from japan being very good to maintain an edge*

Thank you

Emanuel

CBN paste is cubic boron nitride, so no, it is not the same as diamond paste. CBN is considered to be the second hardest substance, behind diamond.

Both are significantly harder than steel and so both are capable of abrading steel. CBN paste is claimed to produce an edge that is not as harsh as one produced by diamond paste, but of course that is going to depend on the person who uses them.

As I said earlier, any paste will perform differently depending on the substrate.

For CBN, the grit sizes are so small you have to ensure your substrate is free on any inherent grit.

It does work well on Fine weave nylon and linen that has been softened/conditioned. I use it on a paper/fabric, used in sewing to reinforce collars and other sewing application, called interfacing. The brand name is Pellon.

It is very inexpensive, a couple dollars a yard, easy to work with, very strong, can be wet repeatedly and dries quickly. I simply cut to 3 in width and attach 2 in D rings with iron on fusing tape.

Spray on the CBN and let dry, so it will adhere to the fabric.

CBN does work best wet, so I mist distilled water, then strop. The strop dries in a few minutes.

While CBN is second in hardness to diamond, it does not cut as deep and you have none of the abrasiveness that is commonly associated with Diamond sprays. CBN is not harsh at all, compared to diamonds. It comes in grits as small as, .10um, about 160,000 grit.

.50 and .125um are fine for daily use. After several uses, all stria will be removed from the bevel, and the shaves are very keen and smooth.

You can strop on CBN daily, with no down side and will not need leather.