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Hi all. I've been lurking and reading a lot here for a while, but just recently joined.
I'm interested in the Cnat at Woodcraft, but have a couple questions. First, from what I've read here, they can be a bit hit or miss. Is there any way to discern a good one from a bad one if you go to the store to pick it out? Second, how do you lap one of these? Thanks.
To your first question the answer is no. These links should help with your second question.
https://shavelibrary.com/w/Chinese_Guangxi_Hones
https://shavelibrary.com/w/Hone_Lapping_101
Awesome, thank you Lazarus.
I have two Chinese Guangxi stones, both from Woodcraft. I estimate that one of the stones is around 12K and can be used as a finisher. I estimate that the other is around 8-10K and is a good prefinisher. For some folks with lighter beards, it might be suitable as a final finisher, but it does not work for me.
Remember that Woodcraft is a woodworking store, so they are selling products designed for sharpening knives, chisels, planes and other woodworking tools. The hones they sell may or may not be suitable for use on razors.
If you have a store nearby and they will allow you to remove a stone from the box, you might be able to hand select one that will be suitable for razors. Otherwise, you pay your money and you take your chances. Fortunately, the price is reasonable, so if you do not get one that fits your razor honing needs, use it for sharpening kitchen knives, pocket knives or shop tools.
I need to go by there as i have one in town. Not that i need another stone, but just to see if i can feel them. Who knows what i might find.
Good luck on getting what your wanting. I hear its hit and miss most the time, as been said.
Thanks RayClem. I do have one of their stores nearby. Any suggestions on selecting one that is suitable for razors? My assumption is that I would slide my hand over each one hoping to discern a difference in how smooth or gritty they feel, and get the smoothest feeling one.
Quote:
Originally Posted by RayClem
I think you will find the best Chinese stones will have a uniform blue-grey, or green-grey color and will be very smooth to the touch, provided they have been lapped properly.
One test that I use to determine the suitability of a stone for use as a finisher is to run the edge of my thumbnail over the stone. If my nail leaves a white residue on the stone, it may not be fine enough to serve as a finisher. If the stone remains clean, then there is a good chance it is a suitable stone.
BTW: My Chinese stones I rate at 12K passes the thumbnail test. The one I rate at 8-10K fails.
Good luck finding the right stone for you.
Great information RayClem, thank you!
my luck with the the Cnat was not favorable. After wasting enough money (trying to save money) on PHIG's and other inexpensive finishers to by a Naniwa 12k, i ended up doing just that. So unless you enjoy trying to figure out natural hones and aren't afraid of spending the money on something that might not be what you want then go for it! JMHO
You pretty much have one, in the PHIG I sent ya.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gasman
Thanks TinTin. What you went through was the reason I asked if there was a way to tell if it's a good one if you can actually check it out before buying it. I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around spending 3 times more on a stone than I did my razor. I'm in no hurry so I have time to keep reading and taking in the collective wisdom here. I appreciate all of the feedback.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tintin
If the cost of a good razor hone is an issue, why not give film a try? It's cheap and you could also use pastes/sprays on balsa, whatever afterwards for some variety.
Cheers, Steve
Definitely considering that,too. Thanks!Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve56
I agree with tintin. Dont mess with the cnat, spend the money on a proven hone that many of us use and always have good results. Unless you just want to have a few of these hones and spend many hours and days trying to learn it. Then find its not right and buy another. The 12k just works!
And, Mike, i know thats what i got, i just thought it might be cool to see and feel some others. Hell, i aint figured out this one yet. Dont need another to learn. Just thought that if i was there, why not feel. If i can.
Tru that.!
I hear ya Gasman, and appreciate the input.
On a side note, your username made me chuckle. I know, I'm an idiot.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gasman
The other gas. Ha. My wife hates the name i picked, but everywhere i go at work, they all call us gasman.
I've got two C12K's one is superb and probably 15k+ (putting a grit rating on nat stones is difficult at best), it is hard and shiny like glass and very dark, my other one is lighter grey and softer and will slightly improve an 8k edge. If woodcraft has a good return policy, buy several and keep the finest one.
Thanks Rod, good idea. Is it safe to assume that you can feel the difference when the blade is moving across the stone? I envision the one you have that isn't as good feels like it has more drag, and the better one feels more like the blade is sliding across it. I am in the ballpark?
Thanks again to everyone for the input. This really is an awesome site with a bunch of great dudes.
Quote:
Originally Posted by rodb