Thread: My first hones!

So, I just wanted to share my revelry, and ask a quick question..

Revelry: I just got my first set of hones... I had gotten some fantastic lessons and hands on experience in honing (Thanks again, Lynn!) but, until now, had no hones of my own... I just sent in to SRD for a set of Naniwas in 1k, 5k, and 8k, along with a DMT 325 Continuous for lapping (They are currently out of 12ks, but I'll have one once they're back in stock). Can't wait!

The question: I have a Keen Kutter barber's hone that I've been using for touchups (soon to be replaced by the 12k)... Will I be fine going from the naniwa 8k (Superstone, for what it's worth) to the Keen Kutter until I can get the 12k? I believe the KK is 10k-ish.... And, be it Keen kutter or N12k, It will be followed by .5micron diamond spray on hard wool felt...

Thanks guys!

Cheers,
Jeremy`

I do not think that a few passes will hurt.
Certainly until you get your 12k you have no other alternative so you can give it a try and see whats the result.

now it is time for some coti thuri eshy fever to go with you nanis

Back when I started and I had the Norton 1k and 4/8k I used to use my Swaty with water as a finisher. Seemed to work fine. As soon as I got a high grit hone I relegated the Swaty to touching up as it was meant to do. It worked well when it was all I had.

Congrats on your new hones! Part of learning to hone is trying different techniques out and measuring the results. A short while ago the Norton 8k's were considered the last hone needed. See how things change? You should be fine shaving of the Naniwa 8k. You can then follow that with the .5 diamond if you like. As you are just starting into your honing journey it may even be best to try shaving off the 8k. If you don't get a good shave there you would be waisting your time moving up to any other hone.

If you are anywhere close to the average person when it comes to learning to hone it probably will be a little while until you are happy with the results anyway. If watching other people hone looks easy it's because they have hones lots of razors and know what they are doing. Looks can be deceiving. I look forward to reading about your journey into honing straight razors!

Good luck.

Originally Posted by ShavedZombie

I just sent in to SRD for a set of Naniwas in 1k, 5k, and 8k, along with a DMT 325 Continuous for lapping (They are currently out of 12ks, but I'll have one once they're back in stock). Can't wait!

You and I must have been shopping the SRD sharpening center at the same time! I just bought the Naniwa value pack (5000, 8000 & 12000) and the DMT 325. My first hones, too! I'm stoked to get started, and will be looking forward to hearing how your Naniwas work for you.

Warm regards,

Larry

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Back when I started and I had the Norton 1k and 4/8k .

Originally Posted by Joed

A short while ago the Norton 8k's were considered the last hone needed. See how things change? You should be fine shaving of the Naniwa 8k. You can then follow that with the .5 diamond if you like. As you are just starting into your honing journey it may even be best to try shaving off the 8k. If you don't get a good shave there you would be waisting your time moving up to any other hone.

HUGE !!! +1

If you can't shave at 8k, you need more practice honing, not more stone...
In fact it isn't a bad thing even when you have more stones, to just stop at 8k now and then, and use only a plain strop for a test shave,,, your own personal reality check..

Your barber hone and some 0.5 micron spray or CrO will do a fine job for a lot less... i think finishing stones are best used after you get some experience under your belt because it's very easy to damage an edge in those last few steps. (IMO)

Originally Posted by LarryP

You and I must have been shopping the SRD sharpening center at the same time! I just bought the Naniwa value pack (5000, 8000 & 12000) and the DMT 325. My first hones, too! I'm stoked to get started, and will be looking forward to hearing how your Naniwas work for you.

Warm regards,

Larry

So YOU'RE where that last 12k went!! I was about 30 seconds away from pressing buy... My girlfriend distracted me with a question which I answered while accidentally hitting a different link... I return to the page and the 12k is gone!

You !!

That being said, thanks for chiming in, I've used Naniwas before at Lynn's house... You won't regret them. Happy honing!

*And I'm mostly kidding above.. you lucky so-and-so :P

Gratz!

Those Naniwas are great stones! I have a set of Shaptons as well, but I just prefer the edges off the Naniwas. Not sure why, but the edges feel a little bit "softer" than the Shaptons to me. YMMV of course.

Now all you need to do is get the natural stone fever! Eschers, Japanese Naturals, Coticules, Thuringians, Charnley Forest... The list goes on! Hehe!

Hope you enjoy those stones, I really like 'em!