Thread: Finally buoght a Naniwa SS 12k

Originally Posted by Aerdvaark

Ooops,"bought" not buoght...lol!
I know, right? What? You don't already have one?!
Yes, I've been putting off getting one because I didn't really think I needed it because I have so many other kinds of finishing stones. But I'm constantly bombarded with hearing about how they are the new standard for a razor replacing the Norton 8k.
Ordered from SRD on Saturday so hopefully I get it by the end of the week.
Any tips or gotcha's from you guys on the use and maintenance of the Nani 12k?

The Nani 12k is a darn fine hone.
The norton is too but might not be called an 8k by the same
standard the Nani folk use.

For me the Nani was the first hone that reliably gave me an edge in
that sweet spot that I call the second and third days of most DE blades.

Do not over soak or over flatten...
you will get a lot of value out of it.

Some days I wish I had sent all my razors to someone once then
maintained them with a 13K Nani hone only..

Let us know how it works out for ya! With all the stones in your collection I'm curious to know if it offers anything the rest don't.

I bought a Nani 12K a few months ago to be the 'next step' after my Norton 8K. I really, REALLY like the edge I get off it. I waited until I got to the point I felt I was getting the very best I could off the 8K, before purchasing the 12K. I, honestly, couldn't believe how much better it was. A nice 'finisher.'

Now, I'm considering the 'next step up,' either a 25 or 30K. But, that's where the BiG(er) $'s come in. For a guy who just does my own, I know it'll never pay for itself, but, that is where my OCD kicks in. Until then, I'll just procrastinate.


To the OP: My suggestion, if you haven't already, buy the holder from SRD. I tried using the tray/holder for the Norton's, but they just don't fit and have to be precariously perched at an angle. It's worth the $20 for the stone holder (which of course, can be used with any other squared off stone.)

I'm still learning but I got the Nani 12K and I find it give me that sharp feel that I'm looking ofr. But after some stropping it calms it down a touch and makes it just less than the sharp/crisp feel. As said, I'm still trying to figure it out but I think its a fine finisher.

I tend to use my rubber base for just about all my stones so no need to worry about Nortons not fitting correctly or buying a secondary base.

aces I think you will find the dollars you spend on that 30k doesn't really add much to you shave, and to be honest most blades don't seem to take that much stone ithout breaking down, I have one razor that does well on the 30k and the rest do better off the 12k. as with all hones that are usable on razors, its still in the hands of the guy doing the honing, in some guys hands the 12k is a little harsh, on the other hand I get one back from Glen with the 12k naniwa, its as smooth as any other natural. cant even tell the difference.

so learn it and get the most out of it and I feel you will come to realize the other stones are a love affair, which is ok. but once you learn it , I will say that it will fit into your honing den Tc

If I can match the scratch pattern I saw on that Hart with the 12k I'll be one happy camper!

I love my Naniwa SS 12k, too. As Glen also says, "Hard to beat the edge off a Naniwa 12k at any price." Word from the master!

Yes, the Naniwa 12k is a nice stone, and can finish very well on it’s own. I usually strop on 125 CBN to finish or plain leather, depending on the razor.

It is a stone with a lot of depth, in that it can finish, be used as a jumping off stone for naturals or even a bevel setter/touch up stone, it can be that aggressive.

Here is an old post where I removed a small chip, reset a bevel and took to shave ready in 80 circles, and 206 laps. Just to demonstrate the range of the stone.

Mine is an old one, several years old pink one, that is getting a bit thin and have been thinking about a replacement. When I do I will get the ½ inch plain stone no base.

It is a simple stone that easily will remove 8k stria to a near mirror finish bevel and super straight edge.

I have a 20k and do not like the edge from it, and also find some/ many razors cannot handle the edge, I find it harsh, though CBN can tame it, but the edge can get thin and fail. I don’t have that issue with the 12k, (try some edge trailing finishing strokes).

Lately I go to naturals from an 8k Junpaku (a similar bevel, and edge, not quite as polished) or the Super Stone 12k. You can go from it to a jnat with tomo slurry, or slates easily on most stones and razors.

I have tried several of the new white 12k versions, and they fee and perform exactly the same as my old work horse.

I call it the Honda Accord of synthetic stones, they just work…

Originally Posted by tcrideshd

aces I think you will find the dollars you spend on that 30k doesn't really add much to you shave, and to be honest most blades don't seem to take that much stone ithout breaking down, I have one razor that does well on the 30k and the rest do better off the 12k. as with all hones that are usable on razors, its still in the hands of the guy doing the honing, in some guys hands the 12k is a little harsh, on the other hand I get one back from Glen with the 12k naniwa, its as smooth as any other natural. cant even tell the difference.

so learn it and get the most out of it and I feel you will come to realize the other stones are a love affair, which is ok. but once you learn it , I will say that it will fit into your honing den Tc

Yeah, I know, it's more of a want than a need. That's why I said I'll just procrastinate, for now. I get very nice shaves off my 12K. Like you said, the 25 or 30K is more of a love affair.