Thread: A Debate: Naniwa 12k vs Shapton 16

Originally Posted by RayG

Hmmm... why would debaters be wearing trunks?

It was my attempt at humour to present a contest between two champions....... perhaps I should have titled my thread as "The Main Event: Naniwa 12k vs Shapton 16k"?

Anyway, you didn't give your opinion . Ray, you strike me as the kind of guy who would have all the toys and would be able to provide an informed opinion. Any advice would be appreciated.

I think the 12K has the best feedback and laps a little faster. It sucks way more water than the 16K, so it is a little harder to use with just a spritz.

Probably some razors would do best on the 12K and others on the 16K. (A reason to have both.) Or don't get either and just get some 1 micron diamond film.

Ryan,

Zib nailed it exactly as it is. You'll find that certain razor's benefit more from the Shapton, while some benefit from the Naniwa.

If my naniwa super 12K or shapton 16K is used up I'll buy it again without hesitation.

But most of the razors could benefit from the naniwa super 12K only as a finisher. At least that's my experience from the hundreds of razors I've honed since I acquired the naniwa 12k.

For those stubborn or special ones the Escher, Shapton 16K or Karasu seal the deal.

Originally Posted by matt321

Or don't get either and just get some 1 micron diamond film.

I decided to buy lapping film from 6 micron to 1 until I figure out what I'm going to do with hones. For awhile I was dead set on the Shapton set, but then it all changed.

To be honest, the lapping film really does an amazing job from wedge to full hollow. I may just stick with the film...

Dave

Originally Posted by Ryan82

It was my attempt at humour to present a contest between two champions....... perhaps I should have titled my thread as "The Main Event: Naniwa 12k vs Shapton 16k"?

Anyway, you didn't give your opinion . Ray, you strike me as the kind of guy who would have all the toys and would be able to provide an informed opinion. Any advice would be appreciated.

Ahh... just ribbin' you a little bit

I have the Shapton 16k, and it is very easy to use, very consistent results. It not only makes the final edge smoother, but it sharpens it up just a little bit more. You see swarf on the white surface very quickly, so you know it cuts fast. The feedback is also good, and you know when the edge is ready. The surface is hard, and it does not need frequent lapping - using a lapping plate between honings is really just to clean the surface. So even if the composite is thin, it will last long.

I don't have the naniwa 12k to compare. I did try a Chosera 10k. Let's just say it is the larger of the tag team entering the ring, to continue the "debate" analogy. It too is very very consistent. It cuts quickly, especially if you raise a slurry with the nagura. This, I think, is the selling point with the knife guys, as the slurry supposedly breaks down into very fine particles and is why it works so well. With a razor, there is not that much friction to do that, so using the nagura helps. Don't know if this applies to the superstones. The chosera sharpens and finishes, and deals with all stubborn razors without batting an eyelash. the material is softer than the shapton, and the superstones are supposed to be softer even. It will get used up more quickly, but I think that would be more of an issue with the lower grits, rather than with a finisher. While it was an excellent hone, I no longer have it as it cost way too much for very little additional performance.

I think with either of these two, you will still finish with chrome or diamond for most razors, so I would not really sweat the differences too much. Either would be an excellent choice.

I'm about to buy both. Once SRD gets the 8k naniwa back in stock.

Originally Posted by zib

Between the Naniwa 12k, Escher, Shapton 16k, it's real tough call, now I'm figuring out what Japanese Natural I want....

So far I've got a Namito and two Asagis. I still need a Kiita and a Karasu. I'll expect you to do the same.

Originally Posted by Utopian

So far I've got a Namito and two Asagis. I still need a Kiita and a Karasu. I'll expect you to do the same.

Don't forget a Suita
If in doubt buy em all

Originally Posted by Utopian

So far I've got a Namito and two Asagis. I still need a Kiita and a Karasu. I'll expect you to do the same.

I'm working on it Ron, It's a No Go with So you Know, so, I bought a Nakayama Maruichi off O_S, to feed my HAD.

OZ from OZ just spent some dough with So. He's attempting to have So, give me a go don't you know, but stilll is Woe, is Woe...OH no....

I waited to reply to this thread until I got back from the NC meet up...

I was using both sets of stones side by side through quite a few razors....

First off I don't think there is enough difference between the sets to make a difference, that being said if I had to pick only one, I would pick the Shaptons, I however am ordering the Naniwas right now because I don't have to pick only one

The Naniwas have a slightly softer feel to the stone, they both work fast and very efficiently, the only stone that I found to have a marked difference in the sets was the 220 for restoration work on a blade, the Shapton I would rate higher in that grit (seriously how often do you use one)

You really can't go wrong with either, but I would nod to the Shapton Sweet 16 if you forced me to chose only one....