Thread: Naniwa Gouken Fuji 8000

Have ordered one of these after reading the review on tomonagura. Have read what I could searching on here too, wondering if anyone has anymore info or experience on these hones now?

I have both the 4K and the 8K, I got both to replace my Norton 4/8K.

I’ve only given them a couple of runs, the Gouken 4K is almost as fine as the Norton 8K and the Gouken 8K is much finer than that. Not quite as fine as the naniwa superstone 12K but close.

They are definitely “splash and go”.

My (prefinish) progression is all naniwa: 1K pro; 3K pro; 4K Gouken; 8K Gouken; 12K superstone.

As Keith said it is possible to go from the 1K pro to the 4K Gouken, but it is a big jump and if the razor has hard steel and/or lots of honewear it can be frustratingly slow. The 3K pro really helps to fill in the gap.

Keith also has a review on the other forum, which iirc has a bit more information/follow up than on his web page.

Would you recommend getting the Hayabusa too between the Pro 3k and the Fuji? Or would the jump be OK?

While I don’t have a Fuji 8k I do have the Junpaku Snow White and other 8k stones.
The Junpaku is a very hard, aggressive 8k that produces a fine polish and super straight edge.

The 3k to 8k is an easy jump to make, in Naniwa stones, though lately I have been doing a 1, 2, 4, 8k progression with excellent results.

The 2k (Naniwa Green Brick) is great for quickly removing deep 1k stria. I just don’t think you would see much benefit from a 3-4k jump.

This is a case where the concept of a single series of hones playing together being the best strategy.

Because of the variations in grit rate scales, as well as the functional differences in brands' density, friability, and binders used, there may very well be a benefit to going from one brand's 3k to another brand's 4k. If DrDalton's assessment of the Gouken 4k being more like a Norton 8k is correct, then there may be some benefit to a 3k to 4k jump. Then again, odds are good that the 3k pro also is closer to a Norton 8k than a Norton 4k.

I'm only pointing this out to remind you that the grit rating does not translate well when jumping between brands or even between hone series of the same brand.

Gee.....I can remember when Naniwas were all just Naniwas!

Really all that happy horse snot, does not matter, (which stone, of each grit is finer, faster, feels smoother, or quicker).

Any decent 1,3-4, 8,12k (Real 12k) progression will work, as long as each grit removes the previous grit’s stria. Mix, Match or stay within the family.

Set the bevel, polish out the 1k stria and end with a 12k edge and your shaving for life.

Unless you are pro, honing a fist full of razors a day and looking for an advantage, it does not matter.

Now if you are testing because you want to know, or just because, (and I get that), just have fun.

Originally Posted by dmnc

Have ordered one of these after reading the review on tomonagura. Have read what I could searching on here too, wondering if anyone has anymore info or experience on these hones now?

I've always found the reviews on this site somewhat suspect... Seems like a lot of psycho-babble and conjecture, and very little in the way of facts or info. But, that's just my opinion...

Well even if I want another in the middle eventually, it will still be less work and less running off edge of stone than with my coticules on plain water. Coticules will be finishers after 8k, until I get a better handle on slurry on my stones.

@dmnc:

I got a chance to play on the hones a little yesterday, the jump from the 3K pro to the 8K Gouken is fine.
The 4K does make it a bit easier, but that could also be operator error.
I’m still in my honing infancy and find adding in the extra stone prevents me from progressing to fast (something patience and experience should cure).