Thread: Diamond Paste v. Japanese Finisher

Heres the deal:

I have a Sweet 16(Shapton 16K) that I adore, but I need something more refined for my taste. Been doing research, and Im down to a couple opitions
1.)Telly on B&B can get me a great stone for 250ish.
2.) SRD double wool felt strop with .5 and .25 micron diamond paste. Which is prolly around 120ish.

Im still learning to hone, and this is the last step in my progression. Wanted experienced opinions.

Given the choice between $250 for a finisher and less than half of that for the felt hanger and diamond spray I would go for the felt. My guess is it will see a lot more use than the Japanese stone.

I am biased here, but I will agree that the diamond spray on felt is more economical.....

if you have 16k shapton the next step up for me would be paste of your taste

Get the rock.

You can always buy some paste later and put it on some cheaper felt or denim or leather or lots of other things for way less than $120ish.

But then I am biased.

I love rocks.

Either way, you're in for some super edges.

Marc

If your going to spend $250 on a hone, be sure it's a hone from a reputable vendor, who knows his hones and do consider the Shapton 30K ( it's $265.99 at SRD). A felt hanger would probably see much more use as Jimmy mentioned, and it's cheaper too.

May I humbly suggest honing film of .3micron grit size or smaller. It has the advantage of being usable on a flat surface, such as the back of your hone, and therefore not liable to round your bevel over time. And for around 5 USD per pack, it's a pretty good deal.

Cheers!

Id think that Id only need the .3 micron after the 16k. Am I right? The honing film is 7.99.

I have paste and I have stones. I say go with the stone, it gives a better edge. Telly will steer you right , he did right by me.

personally I would save my money altogether. Unless you have a specific razor that really needs it a 16K should be able to get you a really great edge. of course if your a rich guy like me then by all means get the best money can buy.