I would like to get a Naniwa stone for final sharpening. I have a Norton 4000/8000 combo and a "The Swaty" Hone but would like a larger stone for final hone. Which one do I get?
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I would like to get a Naniwa stone for final sharpening. I have a Norton 4000/8000 combo and a "The Swaty" Hone but would like a larger stone for final hone. Which one do I get?
12k stone is what most people use after norton 8k or Natural hone like coticule/jnat. if you want larger stone probably best choice would be finding a large jnat finisher but could be expensive
A lot of people go with the 12k. I bought the Kagayaki 12k from Japan and saved some money. The reviews were good and some said it was the same as the pro series. I'm pleased with it and it comes with a neat plastic case that acts also as a stand.
Depending on the razor and of the hones I've used I'd choose a Chinese 12k or a Coticule. There are better hones out there which I have not tried because they can be pretty expensive and out of my price range. Someone else will be along later to comment on those.
As mentioned a good few people move onto the Naniwa 12k after the 4/8 Norton. Its simple to use, consistent and gives a great shave.Quote:
Originally Posted by quindecima
@tintin:
The kagayaki is the same as the 12k super stone, as shown in this clip (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6L65PSncp_A)
The 8K fuji (part for the same gouken series as the kakayaki) is also a very capable finisher, giving a much finer edge then the 8k designation would suggest.
Agree with the others, I have a Naniwa 12K for finishing, works great and excellent shave!
Everything after the 8k is icing on the cake. The only way to know what you'll really like is to try using the stones and shaving off them. There are a lot of options and one could spend a lot of time, money, and whiskers while experimenting. If you want a Naniwa specifically, the 12k is a common choice.
Oh yeah right you are, i knew it was one of those.:)Quote:
Originally Posted by DrDalton
Also i would stay away from a Chinese natural as they can be hit and miss as far as grit ( i wasted enough money trying to find a cheaper alternative that i could have easy just bought a Naniwa and probably been money ahead). For me any way, naturals are a whole different learning curve.JMHO
I'd go with the 12k superstone and then later when you've mastered it.... play with the naturals (if you need to.... the 12k gives you a good basis to compare future purchases)
12k as suggested is a good top end unless you decide to venture off into a natural finisher
Has anyone tried the 13K Sigma Power Select stone?
Lee Valley sells them. They seem to get very good ratings from the woodworking world. Just wondering if they are good for straight razors.
Sigma Power Select II Ceramic Water Stones - Lee Valley Tools
I have not touched mine in years. It was in the category of "meh." It gave no particular impression. I do recall that I felt that it was too chalky and autoslurried more than I liked. I'll have to pull it out and give it another try.
I did not buy mine from Lee Valley. I don't buy anything from Lee Valley anymore. I ordered a tapping guide from them and they sent me a drilling guide instead. They would not take a return because I had removed it from a plastic sleeve and discarded that sleeve before I discovered their mistake. They said no return without the sleeve. Then my credit card company charged me for an international transaction because Lee valley mistakenly routed the purchase through their Canadian version. They admitted it was a mistake on their part but wouldn't reimburse me for that either. The only purpose that drilling guide serves in my shop is to remind me to never again buy anything from Lee Valley.
The Naniwa 12k is better and costs less. Don't think that the 1k extra makes the Power Select better--though I do love Spinal Tap!
I de a 12k Naniwa Super Stone for finishing and it works great. I bevel set with Naniwa 1 K then go to either a 3K or 5k then an 8k then finish with a 12 K then a fabric strop with Crx then 50 laps on the leather
EXCELLENT Spinal Tap reference!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Utopian
I have a full set of Naniwa Sharpening Stones, the "new" superstones. I used to finish on the 12K, but never quite liked the shave. The edge was keen, but not smooth enough for my sensitive face. I now stop with the Naniwa 10K and then finish on natural stones. The disadvantage of natural stones is that they are not as consistent as the synthetic hones, so there is more of a learning curve.
Your shaving preference will depend upon the toughness/coarseness of your beard and the sensitivity of your face. Good luck in finding the perfect hone and technique that will work for you.
I have found the Naniwa 12k will often produce a rough shave after too many laps, like any synthetic. I find that over 25 laps is too much in most instances.
As has been said, some CroOx will tone it down.
I cut my laps down to 20 on it and then go with Blue-green Escher.
Makes a really smooth shaver, IMO.
For that reason, I rarely do more than 10-15 laps on the Naniwa 12k. Despite its high grit it is a fast cutter.