I should start by saying that I am really new to honing. I have been using straight razors for about a year and have five in rotation.

I have had some success in refreshing them on a pasted strop, but recently decided to try my hand at honing.

I have a Naniwa 12000 stone and I find that it clogs up fairly quickly. I managed to clean it with some success with a nylon pan scourer. Recently I decided to invest in a Naniwa flattening stone. The idea being that I would need one sooner of later anyway and that it would help to refresh the surface of the stone too.

It worked great, the only thing now is that the flattening stone is clogging up. Is there a way to prevent this? Or a way to refresh it? I am doing my best to use plenty of water and keep it as clean as I can.

Maybe I am just doing it all wrong. I must say though that the blades I have sharpened are vastly improved and the comfort and closeness of my shaves with them have too.

I am only at the refreshing stage and certainly not what I would call honing. The bevels are all already set as I buy my razors shave ready. Maybe I will come to that later but will need coarser stones for that.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.