Thread: 12k Naniwa - is Barber hone needed?

I'm thinking of getting the Naniwa set: 5K, 8K and 12K.

I'm also thinking picking up a barber hone.

If I have a 12K Naniwa would the barber hone be needed? Could the 12K be used for refreshing the blade instead?

Also - is CrOx necessary or would 12K Naniwa, canvas and leather be fine?

(Btw my canvas is home made denim strop).

Thanks,
Michael.

The 12K is much finer than any barber hone I can think of, so you would not need the latter.
Most touchups, the 12K would probably be just fine (paste afterward optional), unless you had really let it go a long time. Then a lower grit hone might speed the process up. A really light touchup might even be fine with just paste.

CrOx is a matter of personal preference--I use it after the 12K for extra smoothness, but it's a YMMV type of thing. Only you can decide if you like it.

Hope this helps.

I also don't think the barber hone would be necessary if you already have a high grit hone such as the naniwa 12k. I don't have the Naniwas, but anything of such a high grit would be more than suitable than for touch ups. The benefit you would have with a barber hone is that it's much smaller and better suited for travel.

I also agree with the chromium oxide, it's not necessary. You really should be able to get great shaves straight from the 12k (with regular stropping), but you can add the paste afterwards if you prefer the feel, but it's truly optional IMO.

I'm a big fan of barber hones, and I maintain some of my razors with only barber hones, but the Naniwas are more than sufficient by themselves. Usually the 12k should be sufficient. If you fall behind with the honing, you might need to drop down to the 8k but only a few strokes should probably be sufficient. The Naniwas are great hones.

The Naniwa hones are all you will ever need but the barber hone can be stored inside the medicine cabinet and used at a moments notice! Barber hones usually range in the 8000 - 10,000 grit range. They don't cost much, travel very well and fit in your shirt pocket!

Originally Posted by randydance062449

They don't cost much,

Unless they get caught in a bidding frenzy on the bay! (Like one I'm watching at the moment )

Thanks again everyone - so many choices out there!!