Thread: DMT 325 & Naniwa 12k

Hi guys it's been a while...

So I kinda fell out of straight shaving for a while and I've had a brand new hart steel 5/8" that I haven't even used yet. I'm looking to get it shave ready if it's not already.

I do have a DMT 325 and am wondering whether this would work on a Naniwa 12k to smooth things out on the hone and get it up to par. The 12k hone seems to be in good condition but just as some insurance I want to get it perfectly flat and what not. I just don't want to ding up whatever edge may already be on the blade.

Thanks!

Yeah, that DMT plate will work just fine to flatten the Nani 12 or virtually any other synthetic water-stone; in fact, that's exactly what many of us use. Do gentle figure 8's under running water. Be sure to also chamfer/bevel the edges of the Nani if they are not already. A series of perpendicular pencil grids will tell you if you have any high or low spots; just lap until they disappear. If it's flat or nearly so, it will start to lock down-then you're good!

I can't speak to honing or refreshing a Hart, though there are numerous threads on that very topic; apparently YMMV with those, especially the more recent ones?

Grid mark it with a pencil like was said. Lap it in a sink of water just under the surface or under running water. When pencil marks are gone do it again, then again, then again until all marks go away the same. The 325 is used by most for lapping and repairing razors. I bet most all of us have one in our "box of rocks". It will take some time before it completely flat, but just keep in mind it could be worse. You could be lapping a 20K or an Arkansas! Those are extremely hard!

Good luck with the Heart. Some folks find the geometry not well done. Others are done well. It's hit and miss nowadays.

Thanks guys!

This hart steel is still in the box - I've had it over a year and it's still got all the blade oil on it and wrapped up, etc. Looks to be a fine blade the main reason I got it was to try another type of grind - all the others I've used have been full hollow ground Dovo. The hart if I remember right is a 1/4 hollow. Never used a true wedge but would like to.

Shave with the Hart first; you might be pleasantly surprised. Some of them are spectacular - some less so

Of course, the heavier grind will guarantee a different feel on the face, but if it's well ground and honed, the shave will be good.

I spent 30 bucks on a true straight edge which I use in combination with pencil lines. The straight edge is the easiest way to see how flat you really are. Even if you are removing the pencil evenly you may not be all that flat.

Someone can confirm or deny but IIRC Harts are honed with a layer of tape so for a touch up that may need considering ?

Maladroit was right.

It must have been pretty close to shave ready out of the box because I just gave it a quick stropping on the SRD Premium I and it shaved beautifully. It's been probably 2 years since I've used a straight. My hands were practically shaking haha. Felt like such a newbie. Great to be back though!

I'm not sure if it's the heavier grind of this blade, but there was almost no irritation, either. Thanks to all!

Like riding a bike

Glad to hear it was shave ready, the one I had left a little to be desired until I honed it.