Thread: C12k questions

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.

Originally Posted by RayClem

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 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

Originally Posted by Gasman

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.

You pretty much have one, in the PHIG I sent ya.