Thread: Well, I bit the bullet...

I have a whole pile of razors that I want to restore. I figure this is as good of a time as any to learn to hone.

I just bought:

Naniwa: 400, 1k/3k, 8k, 12k
A flattening stone
A paddle strop and some 1/2 micron compound


Is there anything else I need?

I've honed up a couple of razors on the Naniwa using the 1, 3, 8, and 12 with .5 diamond after, and I don't think you'll need anything. Never used the 400, and I haven't heard anyone talk much about it, so I can't comment on that. I'm sure having it can't be a bad thing!

I'd say you are good to go. Also, congrats. I'm itchy to get some Nani's, but haven't been able to talk myself into ponying up yet.

I bought the entire set of Naniwa's from SRD, I love them. They are very soft stones,and fast cutters. The 12k is great. I've used the 400 with good results. When you get that low, you know you have some serious work to do...I think you'll like the edge you get off the 12k. Try it first before the .5, is it Diamond....See how you like it.
You can always go back to the .5

I've honed razors from Unbeveled (not even butterknifed... unbeveled as in appear to have never had an edge ground on them) to shave ready on a DMT 1200 and ~8k(mesh) King. You've got plenty of stones. Any more and you'll have to admit it's just for the HAD.

Personally I'd go for DMT's up to 1200 over anything else. The advantages of DMTs are heavily favorable at low grits and the disadvantages (people's displeasure with the shave-readyness of the edge off EE's) are meaningless. So if you were just swimming in money (and didn't feel the need to indulge HAD with some natural finishers) I'd probably replace that 400 and 1000 with a F/VF DMT benchstone... but your stones will work fine I'm sure (just a little less convenient). Looks like a really good starter setup in fact. I'm jealous of that 3k... I haven't been willing to spring for one yet, though I do want one.

Originally Posted by IanS

I'd probably replace that 400 and 1000 with a F/VF DMT benchstone...

How does the Nani 400 compare to the DMT's you're talking about?

The fine is 600 the VF is 1200

It's a bit of a bump up grit wise, but DMT claims to be outrageously aggressive for the grit rating at low end (The insert that comes with them makes some claim about 30secs on a DMT being ~10mins on a whetstone) so I doubt the increase would even be noticeable.

Originally Posted by HNSB

I have a whole pile of razors that I want to restore. I figure this is as good of a time as any to learn to hone.

I just bought:

Naniwa: 400, 1k/3k, 8k, 12k
A flattening stone
A paddle strop and some 1/2 micron compound


Is there anything else I need?

Yes. One other very important thing. Something that I have found that it is impossible to do without. Time.

I am in the same boat you are. So many razors, so little time.