Thread: Chinese 12k question (s)

Originally Posted by 0livia

I think the grit size is a bit overrated.
If you compare this stone on a piece of pristine CD or whatever else Acryl
with a BM Slate 6000 (JIS)
its effect is about similar.
Done it here

I wish I could read German, I am German....DOH......

I don't know, I still think it's a great polisher. I think the true test is in the shave. Forget the science. Sometimes it's best not see. Like Magic. It spoils it.
Even USB Microscopes, After seeing some of the edges at 200x, I don't want to shave anymore. Without getting off topic. Every time I read a review of someone using a C12K as a finisher is positive. Not once have I read, " I just got done doing a hundred laps on my C12k and the razor felt like a rusty rake.
It's always been positive. I continue to use mine. I think it's better with the slurry. I find the blade to be smooth and sharp.

Originally Posted by zib

I wish I could read German, I am German....DOH......

This might help. Emphasis on "might".

Originally Posted by zib

I just got a D8XX, wonderful tool for lapping. I do lots of lapping. I destroyed my D8C which was a great hone, it's now about a D8F, maybe. It's BBS. Thanks for your earlier recommendation....

Now the only time I use my DMT8C is for final lapping after the DMT8XX for the few hones that seem to need it. Honestly most hones come out perfectly smooth after the 120 grit DMT8XX.

The only other thing I use my worn DMT8C for is initial bevel setting for razors that have nicks. I'm not even sure if it cuts any better than my Norton 1k. I've never used any DMT plate for bevel setting other than my worn DMT8C. I would guess a new 1200 grit DMT probably cuts a bevel better than my DMT8C.

FYI, since you wanted honemeister opinions, Howard and Lynn made comments about the Chinese hone in another thread.

The Chinese 12K was my first real polishing stone. I still use it regularly.

I agree with the posters writing that the edges from it are quite keen. My experience is it takes 80 laps minimum to get the final finish from my example. 100 (or slightly more) is not uncommon. I use one of the old Radio Shack microscopes at 100X, and you can see when the polish is complete. It looks very similar to the sheen from stropping on canvas or linen. I don't see a distinct scratch pattern with parallel lines in one direction, but rather I see a vert fine fuzzy pattern -- like static on a television -- almost like the microscope is out of focus, but it isn't. I let mine soak along with a Norton 4K/8K when I'm honing razors. I never use slurry with mine.

I like my Chinese 12K better than my coticule. However, some of this is probably due to my lack of use/experience with the coticule (or maybe it isn't... ).

I have two of these. I picked them up a couple years ago and put them through my usual 500 razor test routine of both new and ebay type razors. I found that there could be anywhere from 30-100 strokes used depending on the type of razor and it's condition. My hit rate was below 50% (hit rate is successful honing on one time through a hone progression) on these and it seemed that I always had to go back and try again. It simply did not prove to be a consistent stone for me. Can it polish a razor......yes. It is worth the effort just because they are a little cheaper........only if you have a lot of time to burn and this is only my opinion guys.

Lynn

I think really takes it back to the whole "pro" grade versus "general use" grade. For some of us, honing is a once in awhile thing, and usually only on our own blades. So, we can make the time to fine tune the results. We're also less likely to have a large inventory of tools to choose from. For a Honemeister, the stakes are higher. I'd expect that you guys are looking for superior speed, consistency, and durability. Afterall, you're basing income on you and your equipment's performance, so it's got to be top notch.

I think that after they get a pre-honed razor & strop, the first thing every new straight shaver should buy is a Chinese 12k.
Sure, you can spend $100-$300 more and get a finer finishing hone, but as something to just refresh honemeister-established edges, it is perfect and is all you'll ever need. Would I recommend it to someone who already has Naiwa, Shapton, Coticule, Escher finishing stones? Nope.

I have used the CH12k for several years now, but not exclusively. I think so much of it that I keep an extra as a spare, I do the same thing with Coticule/Eschers/Tam O'Shanters and other quality stones. I use it after the Norton 8K. It generally takes me 100 + laps to get the edge I am looking for. I believe it leaves a flatter bevel than either the Coticule or an Escher and the edge feels crisply sharp on my face. I do lightly refresh ( lap) the hone before each use. Is it better than a coticule or Escher etc.? No, just different.
BTW, I do not use a slurry but I do soak the stone for 15 minutes or so. I have left it sitting in water for weeks with no ill effects.

Just my $.02

Originally Posted by huntmol

Would I recommend it to someone who already has Naiwa, Shapton, Coticule, Escher finishing stones? Nope.

I don't know Hunter, I respectfully disagree. If you have all those stones, what's another 30 bucks or another toy to play with?