Thread: Bevel setter upgrade

The Naniwa 1k/3k combo -- an economical stone -- was my first stone when I started to learn how to set my own bevels and do some minor repairs. This aside, it worked well with good feedback and a speed that, at least for hobbyist purposes, was entirely fine.

Although I appreciated it at the time, I would call buying this stone a mistake for a couple of reasons: first, as kamots mentioned, it's a smaller stone. In itself, that's not a problem, but for learning something with more real estate, like a 3x8, is definitely is better choice. Also, as a few people have mentioned, it's a thirsty, thirsty stone which also leads to a tendency for longer soaks. Certainly this is what I did, soaking between 20 and 30 minutes, but the 1k side also ended up cracking, I believe precisely because of the longer soak times (now I have three small 1K hones!).

I can't verify this but I'm under the impression that the traditional is made of the same materials and binders as the economical stone, so even if it has the larger working area I'm still not sure I would recommend it as I would worry about both how much water it takes and the potential for cracking. I realize that it's cheaper, but if you're going to go the Naniwa route for the slightly greater initial investment I would definitely say go with the 10mm thick specialty stone.

Anyhow, that's just been my (admittedly very limited) experience, tacked on at the end of a thread with lots of really good advice from some really knowledgeable and experienced folks.

Originally Posted by IMightBeWrong

Thanks Steve! I think a 5K is the best next move. Worst case scenario I can add the 2 and 8 later. Splitting up the set makes things easier to pocket, though.

I am looking at the 5K. Pro. I have a 1K. that I love!

Slawman