Thread: First hones : do i need a 12 k hone ?

Originally Posted by MichelG

I am ready to order hones. I am considering Naniwa 3k, 8k and perhaps a 12k one. I am new to honing. I bought a Dovo 5/8 full hollow Silver razor and i only need to maintain the edge when it needs it.

I read a thread that stated that a 12k is not needed and should perhaps not be used by a beginner. What does a 12k give ? Will the 12 k provide a sharper edge ? If that is the case, would the Shapton 16 K be any better. I do not really want to getting into stropping at this point in time. I am looking for the simplest solution. I find there is enough to learn already.

Best Regards,
Michel

First in case your are tempted do not mix vendors unless you must...
one vendors 10K might be another vendors 8K.

Since you have a sharp razor now you can buy hones to maintain
the edge.... i.e a Naniwa 8K and 12K. Naniwa hones cut so fast that with
extra laps the 8K can reach up a little bit if needed.

Shop around.. the NANIWA VALUE PACK - 5000, 8000 & 12000 GRIT STONES
that one of the sponsors has could be a bargain.

Do not ignore the work horse Norton 4K/8K combo, once the top millimeter or
so has been lapped off of each side it is a delux product. I have grown
to love the feel of the 8K side. The quality of the Norton 8K edge is such
that many folk do not want or need a finer hone.

Then there is the raw sex appeal of the SHAPTON CERAMIC
ON TEMPERED GLASS COMPLETE LUXURY SET that gives
my HAD a serious itch. I wish I owned some to compare
with my other hones.

Check the archives for reviews... there are a lot of them.

Lastly there is the C12K Natural Polishing Water Stone (12,000 Grit)
that is not quite a 12K. The price of the Guangxi stones makes
up for their reported slowness. For me my C12K does not polish like my
Naniwa Super Stone of the 'same grit'. But that is my point
on not mixing hone vendors....

Since honing is an uncommon activity a C12K hone as a touch
up hone might be the place to start. A C12K and one or two trips
a year to a honemaster may be the sharp pencil answer.

Many hones need lapping budget for a DMT lapping hone.