Thread: Chinese 12k question (s)

During my initial days here I started a few discussions by saying that my C12k stone produced coarser results than an 8k Shapton. I've started using a Belgian natural combo since and so I do no longer care about the C12k but I wonder if there is a fairly significant variance of hardness and grit size among these hones.

Originally Posted by sparq

During my initial days here I started a few discussions by saying that my C12k stone produced coarser results than an 8k Shapton. I've started using a Belgian natural combo since and so I do no longer care about the C12k but I wonder if there is a fairly significant variance of hardness and grit size among these hones.

This is what I was wondering when I started the thread, seemed like some people love them and some hate them, which normally means there are variations between the stones...
Then I started thinking that there were maybe variations on how they were used, I had heard stroke numbers from 50-300...
Now I can see huge variations of stroke numbers in the lower grit stones, but a finisher just should not vary that much, I mean come on all you are really doing is smoothing out the minute lines from the last stone...

If a person wants a natural stone then they have to live with the variations in grit size and density. That's just the nature of the beast.
Most of us have seen this in Coticules, Eschers, Tam O'Shanters, Arkansas stones and Chinese 12K etc.
The number of laps required will depend on the individual stone, the work done at the lower grits, the steel, the stroke, and your desired edge.
As usual, there is no easy answer.

You pays your money and takes your chances!
( Just working on my first cup of coffee this morning )

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Then I started thinking that there were maybe variations on how they were used, I had heard stroke numbers from 50-300...

This is a factor rarely mentioned - The size & shape of the hone.
I always use the narrow edge of my hones on about a 4" stroke.
Someone using the full width and length of an 8" hone is likely to make less passes.

I have used mine for about two years now. It performs as it is supposed to, it polishes and it does a fantastic job. Of course this is made easier if you did your job at the lower grits. I have used it wet, dry, with slurry and I can't remember how else. I love my brick and can not see using anything else for polishing my edges. I usually do anywhere from 50 to 100 laps just because that is what works for me. I like the fact that the stone sucks the blade into it when the stone is wet. I see this as the perfect amount of pressure and all I do is guide the blade.

Raf

If you fellows think that the 12K is a honey of a rock, you should try the 15K PHIG, that rock ROCKS!!
Just got done doing' about 55 total strokes as a finisher and it pop arm hairs like a buzz saw through balsa!
By the way, I just came off the 8k of my Norton before the 15K stone.
I"m still new at this, after over 2 years of doing only my personel razors I think my honing is starting to get some were, ...................I think!?

I've got good mastering of sharpening and honing process on my wood-working tools, but I shave only once a week and am not trusting my strooping capability. For that reason I like the 12k.
Before buying the 12k my stone succession was:
400 restoring only
1000 restoring only
6000
8000 rozsutec with oil
Then 30-50 strops, but I don't feel good with stropping.
After I replaced the rozsutec with the 12k it takes me much less stropping to get shave ready and makes me feel more confident on the result.

I definitely love the Chinese stone, usually (and improperly) referred as 12k grit.
It is the stone I use at the end of the honing process and I like the ultra smooth edge it produces. Although it is a slow cutter, patience will reward you with a very smooth edge and very comfortable for shaving.
I also use it for touching up my blades. Great stone!