It's also a combination of things for me as well. We are the fringe of the modern shaving community, taking a step back into a era we enjoy. To that end a few of us see straight shaving as a unique way to do an everyday (or so) duty. So why not take it a step further (or several) and look for those pieces of equipment that are also on the fringe of their arena On that note...

My finisher has to be a Natural hone, tried the synthetics and didn't care for their edge.

Feedback from the stone should be pleasing, and somewhat earthy

Place an easy to see edge improvement over lesser (grit) stones

And last (if not least) The Shave!! It must be smooth, no grabby sticky edges.


So as far as grit is concerned I really don't care what it is as long as it's smooth shaving. I've shaved off my 8k Norton in the early days. I tried the 16k shapton and was not happy with it's over crisp edge feeling. Getting my grandfathers Coticule combi stone was a huge step up for my shaves. Now I'm testing my Japanese naturals to see if I can give my Coti a rest (Don't want to wear out the Heirloom rock)

I guess what all this boils down to... I like a more Organic (not the over used food word..) approach to my finishing routine...