Thread: naniwa 3k - the hidden gem of my progression

anyone else use a 3k in their progression? i really like it and think it helps a lot.

did a lot of research when i got into straight razors and joined SRP a few months ago. invaluable actually. so when i wanted to try honing i got a set of naniwa ss 1k, 5k, 8k 12k. but i found the jump from bevel set to 5k to be a little steep so a added the 3k. really glad i did. i think it helps refine the bevel and allows me to move up the progression with more confidence.

but what do i know. im only getting started.
anyone else out there like or use a 3k?

-s.

I also have that stone in a 1k, 3k, 5k, 10k Naniwa and 20k Gokumyu - like you say it's a useful step, although a few people on here prefer a 2k stone and say that it removes the 1k scratches even better.

My 1, 3 and 5k stones are the Professional series and I find that the 3k is a lot more thirsty than the other two - I always soak it despite warnings of the potential problems.

I was getting decent edges with a ss 1,5,8,12k progression then that dangerous "what if" started circling in my mind about the same time there was a thread on bevel setting with a 3k so I gave in and got the 3k. I'm really pleased with it. Edges are generally nicer and I've got more stones to play with.

I found the 3 was not needed between the 1 and the 5. Didn't hurt anything to use it, just took more time to include one more hone.

I like having the 3 between the 1 and 5. Extra step, yes. Worth it, yes.

I go 1k, 3k, 8k, 12k then sometimes, Coti.
This was on the advice of the legend that is Neil Miller. I have a 5k, but never use it.

I became so fixated on properly setting a bevel and trying to make it as idiot proof for myself as I can, I actually go 1,2,3,5,8,10 and 12 then to a natural.

I find the 2 to be a great transition stone, and the 3 as insurance, overkill I know, but since the heavy lifting is done on the bevel, made sense to me to have more options there.

I like to have the 3K also. (Here is: 1,3,5,8,10,12)

I go 1k,3k,5k,8k,12k. I would replace my 3k in a second if it got broken or lost. 1k thru 5k are Chosera.

nice! glad im not alone. i dont really see/hear/read about a 3k very much. sounds like chosera is the 1/3/5 of choice though for bevel setting. did i make an error going with the SS line? ive been reading more-n-more good things re: shapton as well.

also, i lap each of my stones before every session. even if im honing more than one razor that night ill still re-lap with an atoma before each stone. my 1k is already noticeably thinner than others. am i lapping too frequently? i know how important 'flat' is to the ultimate success of a honing session.