Thread: Spyderco UF vs. Chinese 12k

I know that no one can give me a definintive 'which is better' answer, and that's not what I want. Instead, I'd like some advice based on my situation for what would be the smartest bet:

I'm brand new to straight razor shaving, I've have never honed a razor.
I own one carbon-steel razor that I purchased completely shave ready.
I have no intention of restoring old razors, or even setting a bevel on a dull one, at least any time soon.
I am looking for a 'finishing' hone to keep my shave ready razor shave ready. Throw the razor on the finishing hone every couple months to keep the edge keen is what I'm wanting.

The cost isn't an issue - Chinese 12k is $40 ($30 for hone, $10 for slurry stone) and Spyderco is $50 - that's negligible.
From what I understand, they both provide terrificly smooth and sharp edges.

The Chinese 12k is really slow. Does this mean, for a beginner, that if I make a mistake it won't be as big of a mistake? Or does it mean that if I make a mistake it will take forever to fix it?

The Spyderco is pretty fast - does this mean, for the beginner, I'm more likely to make a mistake, or that if I make a mistake it will be quicker to fix?

I've also read that both of these stones are murder to lap, but once lapped they stay true quite a while. I've also read conflicting information about the spyderco that it is guaranteed flat.

I guess I'd like input from people who have used these finishing hones for which would be better for my situation.

Thanks.

You can already get a 6x2" + rubber C12k or Guangxi for $10 from Ebay. A 8x2" Guangxi will cost $18 at Woodcraft (it's on sale atm). You can get about 10 big rubbers out of a 8x2" stone so if you're charged $10 for just one you may want to look for another seller.

I have a 8x2" Guangxi from Ebay and I like mine. Personally I think it's slowness is overrated. Most natural stones when used with water are slow. I usually do about 40 strokes coming off a Coticule but doing 100 strokes would probably take me less than 5 mins. It's not that bad.

My Guangxi came prelapped but I'm sure it's doable on sanding paper when you start at 120 grit.

Edit: It seems the Ebay seller is currently not offering any.

Neither stone. 1.0 micron diamond paste spread on a piece of newspaper is both faster and finer than the Ch12k, and very cheap.

You know what people always answer when you ask "Which?" -- "Both!"
I routinely do my quarterly maintenance on my regular razors with a lapped 12k then a lapped UF 3". Both were lapped on a Shapton DGLP and are much better for it. The Spyderco is transformed by the process. I will do about 50 passes on the 12k and 25 on the UF, then follow with pasted strops and finally some unpasted leather paddles with coarse then smoother leathers on them.

Chris