Thread: Synthetic progression recommendation.

I use Shapton GS stones and they cut and polish very quickly,I used Naniwa’s early on and found they clogged easily but they were the older ones that were glued to plastic bases but now I find I can just do a quick bevel reset on a 4k and then a nagura progression on a JNAT and be done

I have that same King 1k/6k. I use the 6k between the Norton 4k and 8k. Just started using it that way but it seems to work well so far. The King is the only kind of synth. I have besides a Sharpton 12k. It has some cracks also but they don't seem to effect it. Although, in fairness I don't really use it that much so far. I have been trying to reset (been stuck on the 4k/8k pyramid and got in a rut) on honing and didn't use it really. Then recently had someone (Twistedoak) give me some Nats so I'm kind of stoked on those for a while.
Sort of rambled there but maybe try the 6k in between 4&8.

Shapton Glass for me too. 1k, 2k, 4k, 10k, 20k GOK, works really well for me. But I'm finding I can set the bevel on most anything with 2k. 1k isnt needed much.

I use the shapton glass too - I have 1,2,4,8,16 but I rarely use the 2 and less so the 1. I also have a shapton 12k (not glass but kuromaku stone) which i find is smoother on my skin than the glass 16k.
I would recommend starting with 2,4,8 glass stones and the 12k. For me - quick, easy and foolproof. From these i go to naturals and this is where i like to play around with stones.

I guess where you start your progression depends on what you are doing. If the razor is in terrible condition with chips and the like a 1K Naniwa is good for setting a bevel. Even with chipped razors you can still set a bevel with a 3K Naniwa but it will take a little longer than with a 1K Naniwa and again you avoid dealing with the striations left by the 1K

If the razor is in reasonable shape yet still needs a bevel set you could start with a 3K Naniwa and not have to deal with the striations left by a 1K Naniwa. If you are just maintaining a razor you may only need a finishing hone like the 12K Naniwa and possibly on lower grit Naniwa like the 8K. Tailor your progression to your needs.

Bob

Originally Posted by Gasman

Shapton Glass for me too. 1k, 2k, 4k, 10k, 20k GOK, works really well for me. But I'm finding I can set the bevel on most anything with 2k. 1k isnt needed much.

Almost the same for me.

I started adding Naniwa SS stones from my initial 12 000 grit stone downwards and over the years ended up with a 1 000, 5 000, 8 000 and 12 000 Naniwa SS progression and later bought a Suehiro Gokumyo 20 000 as final polisher.
Once I had realized that for many cases where the 5 000 was not aggressive enough the 1 000 was more aggressive than needed be, I finally included a Naniwa SS 3 000 as my last addition.

I rarely use the 1 000 nowadays, except to remove larger chips when I restore a razor, for lesser damage the 3 000 works quite nicely for me. The keyword here is “damage”. if I merely want to renew the edge I have no need for either of them and either start with the 5 000 or 8 000.


B.

I'm much less experienced than a lot of folks around here...

I have two Naniwas... a standard white 12000 SS, and a yellow 8000 SS Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) version (glued to the base).

I vastly prefer the JDM 8000 over the 12000 SS (I'll likely sell the SS... it gets no use). Everything about it, cutting speed, polishing... I prefer the edge off it as well. I note it's a different color than the international market 8000 SS, leading me to believe it's not an equivalent lineup.

Both due clog rather quickly, but that's a simple issue with an Atoma plate. My 4000 & 1000 are both Nortons... those will be replaced eventually and are inferior in every way to the Naniwas...

Shapton Pros resist loading up much more than Naniwa Super Stones, so I have swapped out my lower Naniwa progression for the 1.5k and 5k Shapton Pro. From the 5k, I transition to Japanese naturals for final polishing and finishing.

I’ve been using this setup for a few months and really enjoy spending much less time cleaning my lower grit hones.

Originally Posted by Speedster

Shapton Pros resist loading up much more than Naniwa Super Stones, so I have swapped out my lower Naniwa progression for the 1.5k and 5k Shapton Pro. From the 5k, I transition to Japanese naturals for final polishing and finishing.

I’ve been using this setup for a few months and really enjoy spending much less time cleaning my lower grit hones.

That's good to know... I've been shopping around for replacements to my Norton 1K/4K... I'll keep my eye out for the Shapton Pros on special...

I will say the Naniwa 8K makes short work of a blade... While I don't feel I have to take it there before going to a JNat, it's only a few minutes and I've got a nice mirror polish to start with. Makes it easy to ensure I'm working my entire bevel heel to toe.

I do not use a “Set” I mix and match, lately for synthetics I use a King 1k, Nubatama 4k, Naniwia 8K Snow White and finish on a Jnat or Ark. I don’t think it matters much the difference in grit ratings between makers. All that matters is if you are moving forward to finer grits to a finisher, if you are making 4-6k grit jumps, (very doable) grit ratings don’t matter.

Not a fan of the Super Stones, because of the load up issue, it is annoying, and I feel can impact edge potential.

I have switched, to the 8k Snow White, in place of a 12k Super Stone, that leaves a better finish than the 12k without any load up. If you soak, they can craze, but even crazed they still produce fine edges. It is strictly splash and go. I have a 3-4 years old crazed one and a new replacement. I think the old crazed one gives a better edge and polish than the new one.

If you are finishing on a Natural, it does not matter, any 8k will do. With a good Jnat you can go 1k to diamond slurry and finish on thinned slurryor tomo, no problem.

So, if you are bored and want some good edges, you already have a 1k, CNTG has some nice Jnats in the $180-300 range or get on the wait list for a $75 Kopa. Make some diamond slurry and learn a Jnat, you will be glad you did and get some smoking edges.