Thread: Naniwa 400

I use my Naniwa 1K all the time to set bevels and it's wonderful. I wouldn't use anything lower than that for just a bevel, maybe if you had a big chip or something in the blade then you could use the 440.

Originally Posted by Utopian

While I agree that a 1k stone needs to enter the mix, I hope the impression is not left that a 400 grit stone is too coarse. A 400 is too coarse to be used just prior to a 4k but a 400 grit stone certainly has a place in the honing arsenal. If damage to the edge is visible to the naked eye, then I see nothing wrong with dramatically speeding up the process with a coarser hone. Once the damage can no longer be seen along the edge, then it is time to move up to the 1k to start setting the bevel. The great thing about the coarser grit hones is that they are much cheaper than the finer ones and they will save you a lot of time.

I agree. Like most people, I used to use a 1000 to set bevels, but found that I was taking more than 5 minutes on one stone alone. After getting a coarser stone, I can do bevel-setting in 1/4 the time. It's a great time saver, especially for someone like me to makes their own razors.

Different strikes for different folks. I will occasionally go to a 600 DMT for an old Sheffield wedge or a blade in rough shape. Once in a blue moon a 325 for a big chip or frown but for most razors the 1k is my default and seems to work expeditiously. It is coarse enough to remove metal well while it doesn't create more work for me in the process. Just IMHO and I don't make my own razors so a different kettle of fish.

I've used the Nani 400 and the 220 for nick/chip removal. I have the DMT's too, but like the Nani's. 1k is fine for bevel setting, but I wouldn't want to do any repair work on one.

I have to say, the more I use then Nani 400, the more I like it, and then I use it more... The only thing that does bother me is that it needs to be flushed with water frequently because of how fast it releases grit. I bet I'd looooooooove a Chosera 600...