Thread: 12k ?

Right now im playing with Jnats and find going from 8k works just fine. As Aaron said, going from 12k is easier as it gets you there quicker. And when an Arkie is thrown in the mess, id go from 20k. Kidding.

I have noticed that many on this Forum set the bevel and continue up to 12k before their preferred finisher !
What do most use for their 12K stage ? ie Shapton, Naniwa , natural etc

It depends on your pre finisher or finisher. You don’t have to go to such a high grit if your finisher is aggressive enough, but it does not hurt if you have a 12k.

A 12k Naniwia is an aggressive stone with a wide range at a decent price $80-100. Here is an old post showing the range of a 12k, removing a chip and finishing on one stone. (12k Chip Removal/ Bevel Setting).

I typically go to an 8k then a finisher. I like the Naniwia Snow White Junpaku, but any 8k will work, especially if going to a finisher. Only after 8k does an edge get really straight. At 12k a bit straighter, so if you are going to a natural finisher or a 20k you will start with a very straight and keen edge, and all you are looking for is comfort and a bit of additional keenness.

The 12k is a finisher, if it is harsh, try some Chrome Oxide, Cerium or CBN on a pasted cotton or Pellon strop. Or finish your edge on the 12k, then lightly joint (one lite stroke on the corner of the stone) to remove the very edge. Strop on linen, firehose or canvas strop. Reset the edge with 15-20 X laps strop and test shave.

For finishing on a Jnat I start with a 8k edge, for finishing with a Ark I start with a 10 or 12k and sometimes a 20k edge. Arks are slower, Jnat with Diamond slurry can be more aggressive.

That you almost never see a used 12k Naniwia for sale, is a testament of the stone’s performance and favor.

Originally Posted by Euclid440

I have noticed that many on this Forum set the bevel and continue up to 12k before their preferred finisher !
What do most use for their 12K stage ? ie Shapton, Naniwa , natural etc

It depends on your pre finisher or finisher. You don’t have to go to such a high grit if your finisher is aggressive enough, but it does not hurt if you have a 12k.

A 12k Naniwia is an aggressive stone with a wide range at a decent price $80-100. Here is an old post showing the range of a 12k, removing a chip and finishing on one stone. (12k Chip Removal/ Bevel Setting).

I typically go to an 8k then a finisher. I like the Naniwia Snow White Junpaku, but any 8k will work, especially if going to a finisher. Only after 8k does an edge get really straight. At 12k a bit straighter, so if you are going to a natural finisher or a 20k you will start with a very straight and keen edge, and all you are looking for is comfort and a bit of additional keenness.

The 12k is a finisher, if it is harsh, try some Chrome Oxide, Cerium or CBN on a pasted cotton or Pellon strop. Or finish your edge on the 12k, then lightly joint (one lite stroke on the corner of the stone) to remove the very edge. Strop on linen, firehose or canvas strop. Reset the edge with 15-20 X laps strop and test shave.

For finishing on a Jnat I start with a 8k edge, for finishing with a Ark I start with a 10 or 12k and sometimes a 20k edge. Arks are slower, Jnat with Diamond slurry can be more aggressive.

That you almost never see a used 12k Naniwia for sale, is a testament of the stone’s performance and favor.

Many thanks for a very informative answer, I will order 12k Naniwa and give it a good try a d vary the finisher.
I have an Escher, aThuringian, Coty and Charnley Forest.
I don’t know if you have ever used a Charnley, but I find it a really hard smooth finisher !
Thanks again
Phil

I think you have made a good choice. In this hobby a 12k is a great stone to own. I seen a used 12k for sale once. I grabbed it up. But haven't seen another used one for sale.