Thread: Amazon Bluesun hones test

Originally Posted by Marshal

Just out of curiosity how hard are they?

Not hard enough for tools!!

I had the same hones, but not marked blue sun. Given where they're coming from, they could've changed a little bit, but mine were a bit powdery. They'd have been decent hones for razors, but shapton pros directly from japan (kuromaku's) are not that far from them in price.

I ended up round filing my stones because I just didn't have time to figure out where I could use them.

(if they're harder now than mine were, that would be a good thing - they were branded UUsharp when I got mine).

Originally Posted by DaveW

Not hard enough for tools!!

I had the same hones, but not marked blue sun. Given where they're coming from, they could've changed a little bit, but mine were a bit powdery. They'd have been decent hones for razors, but shapton pros directly from japan (kuromaku's) are not that far from them in price.

I ended up round filing my stones because I just didn't have time to figure out where I could use them.

(if they're harder now than mine were, that would be a good thing - they were branded UUsharp when I got mine).

These were about $20 each. They are not powdery and seem pretty hard. I did use the 600 on a chisel and did a nice job.

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That's about the cost for the uu sharps. They came with a little rubber square frame to use the stone in (same grit numbers as those) and they were mini size.

If you can find reasonable shipping, a shapton pro 1k is about $30 in japan, the 12k is $56 and the other stones are between those two.

However, if they work well for $20, then that's all that matters.

Originally Posted by DaveW

That's about the cost for the uu sharps. They came with a little rubber square frame to use the stone in (same grit numbers as those) and they were mini size.

If you can find reasonable shipping, a shapton pro 1k is about $30 in japan, the 12k is $56 and the other stones are between those two.

However, if they work well for $20, then that's all that matters.

You have good prices. These 2 were $40. So 3 grits for that is not bad if they do turn out to be good for razors. I did buy them for chisel but testing razors on them.
If they are it will be an inexpensive choice for people not completely sure they want to dive into honing. This wont break the bank.

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I re-honed the razor again. I started on the 1k shapton. This time i decided to not use the 2k. I think its too harsh and no need since i set the bevel on the 1k. So i did 3 sets of circles and 40 x. Funny thing i didnt have the issue with the wire edge. I repeated the same with the 8k.

Since in test an affordable option for people on a tight budget or not completely sure they want HAD like we do. I went on the my PHIG. raised a slight slurry with my DMT and did 50 x then rinsed the hone and did 50 with water.

Now for the test shave. I started without stropping. It was nice. Not harsh or uncomfortable. I did one cheek. Then stropped 50 on leather. The rest of the shave was impressive. It was smooth very smooth. I was very pleased. I did one pass and it is just as close as i expect from a razor. Sticky smooth with a couple areas that if i did 2 passes would have been taken care of. I will add that my hair growth was at the min i would shave at. Only because i would get irritation if the razor wasnt well honed.

So my only other change for an affordable combo would be instead of the PHIG would be the Jewelers test stone that you can buy for about $30. I think they are just black arkie's. That gives a buttery edge.

I've been wanting to get my mitts on one of these for a while now, and they JUST now released it in a suitable size:

Home Beyond Natural Green Polish Oil Stone Knife Sharpener M99G 10000# Whetstone | eBay

It's another Chinese stone, the really fine green polishing one. Now in 8" x 2" x 1". There are quite a few finishers that can be had cheap. I've seen folks luck up on Thuris and coticules at antique stores and flea markets for pennies on the dollar. You can probably put Arkansas stones in that category too. Just a matter of knowing where to look and putting in a bit of leg work. Welsh slates are another decent cheap option in my book. And of course the PHIG, which may not be the most consistent option but mine is good enough I'd never let it go.

Originally Posted by Marshal

I've been wanting to get my mitts on one of these for a while now, and they JUST now released it in a suitable size:

Home Beyond Natural Green Polish Oil Stone Knife Sharpener M99G 10000# Whetstone | eBay

It's another Chinese stone, the really fine green polishing one. Now in 8" x 2" x 1". There are quite a few finishers that can be had cheap. I've seen folks luck up on Thuris and coticules at antique stores and flea markets for pennies on the dollar. You can probably put Arkansas stones in that category too. Just a matter of knowing where to look and putting in a bit of leg work. Welsh slates are another decent cheap option in my book. And of course the PHIG, which may not be the most consistent option but mine is good enough I'd never let it go.

I believe i saw that green one on amazon for $10.

The welsh are another great option. I have them too. I think with antique store you flea markets you need to know what your looking at for it to be good.

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Originally Posted by Marshal

I've been wanting to get my mitts on one of these for a while now, and they JUST now released it in a suitable size:

Home Beyond Natural Green Polish Oil Stone Knife Sharpener M99G 10000# Whetstone | eBay

It's another Chinese stone, the really fine green polishing one. Now in 8" x 2" x 1". There are quite a few finishers that can be had cheap. I've seen folks luck up on Thuris and coticules at antique stores and flea markets for pennies on the dollar. You can probably put Arkansas stones in that category too. Just a matter of knowing where to look and putting in a bit of leg work. Welsh slates are another decent cheap option in my book. And of course the PHIG, which may not be the most consistent option but mine is good enough I'd never let it go.

I have one of those green ones already, but at that price with shipping, I bought a second one.

Originally Posted by nicknbleeding

I believe i saw that green one on amazon for $10.

The welsh are another great option. I have them too. I think with antique store you flea markets you need to know what your looking at for it to be good.

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True, but Coticules are easy to identify even for a newcomer. That yellow and black coloring is fairly unique. Arkansas stones can be as well if you've seen a few pictures. Thuris and the like are more difficult to pick out I think.

I might order one of those green ones tonight.

Edit: I haven't seen them that cheap though. I thought those were the either the 4" x 2" or the 8" x 1" wide ones, and either of those is just a touch too small on one dimension for me.

Originally Posted by Marshal

True, but Coticules are easy to identify even for a newcomer. That yellow and black coloring is fairly unique. Arkansas stones can be as well if you've seen a few pictures. Thuris and the like are more difficult to pick out I think.

I might order one of those green ones tonight.

Edit: I haven't seen them that cheap though. I thought those were the either the 4" x 2" or the 8" x 1" wide ones, and either of those is just a touch too small on one dimension for me.

Oh your right i just checked and it us too small.

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