Thread: Re-visting the Chinese Hone

I've gotten some of my best edges of the PHIG,,

Originally Posted by Hirlau

I've gotten some of my best edges of the PHIG,,

This almost kicks my HAD into motion again... If only I didn't have 5 barber hones on the way

Is buying a phig worth it at the price in North America, knowing it could be good or not??

My next question is more opinion. Would a nice black Arkansas (Dans) put a nicer edge on the blade? I've got one and can't justify getting a phig unless the edges are really that nice and top a black Arkansas, which by the way leaves some stellar edges.

The PHIG takes a lot of learning IMO,,, several threads on SRP that deals with it.
I have never used a black Arkansas,,, I can tell you nothing about it,, sorry.

Originally Posted by S0LITARYS0LDIER

This almost kicks my HAD into motion again... If only I didn't have 5 barber hones on the way

Is buying a phig worth it at the price in North America, knowing it could be good or not??

My next question is more opinion. Would a nice black Arkansas (Dans) put a nicer edge on the blade? I've got one and can't justify getting a phig unless the edges are really that nice and top a black Arkansas, which by the way leaves some stellar edges.

I have both and cannot tell the difference between the finished edge or the number of strokes required to get there.

You can get the Chinese hone from Woodcraft, unless you are OP who can get it more locally!

Originally Posted by S0LITARYS0LDIER

My next question is more opinion. Would a nice black Arkansas (Dans) put a nicer edge on the blade? I've got one and can't justify getting a phig unless the edges are really that nice and top a black Arkansas, which by the way leaves some stellar edges.

I have both and the black Arkansas is better and faster then the cnat. The cnat is a nice stone though if you have patience with it. They take a good bit of laps to get anywhere.

Originally Posted by Castel33

I have both and the black Arkansas is better and faster then the cnat. The cnat is a nice stone though if you have patience with it. They take a good bit of laps to get anywhere.

Okay thanks guys that settles it I'm sticking with my black ark, maybe one day ill own a phig.

Thanks again guys, and thanks for the photo, that helps clarify what I'm looking for in the guangxi.
Vasilis, we get hit with some pretty serious import taxes here, but I will look into the Japanese stones. The ones you mentioned are lower grit, to be followed up with the guangxi stone, and not needed for refreshing, is that correct?
As I research more, it seems I will need to get a lapping plate as well and lap the guangxi before using it (is that right?). It looks like I can pick up an Atoma for about 60US (still checking out alternatives; are there any trusted or somewhat trusted Chinese lapping plates?). Which grit would be the best to buy (and does this vary by brand)? It seems some people hone razors on the diamond plates as well... which is pretty confusing to me at this point; not sure how to factor this in to deciding which grit to buy. Does lapping a stone need to go through progressively finer grits in the way that honing a razor does?
Also, can I get clarification on whether or not the stropping paste is a necessary step between refreshing on a guangxi and stropping on leather?

Thanks again everyone.

In my opinion, GuangXi stone is one of the very best for finishing my straight razors. Super smooth edges!

Originally Posted by ffourteen

Thanks again guys, and thanks for the photo, that helps clarify what I'm looking for in the guangxi.
Vasilis, we get hit with some pretty serious import taxes here, but I will look into the Japanese stones. The ones you mentioned are lower grit, to be followed up with the guangxi stone, and not needed for refreshing, is that correct?
As I research more, it seems I will need to get a lapping plate as well and lap the guangxi before using it (is that right?). It looks like I can pick up an Atoma for about 60US (still checking out alternatives). Which grit would be the best to buy? It seems some people hone razors on the diamond plates as well... which is pretty confusing to me at this point; not sure how to factor this in to deciding which grit of diamond plate to buy. Does lapping a stone need to go through progressively finer grits in the way that honing a razor does?
Also, can I get clarification on whether or not the stropping paste is a necessary step between refreshing on a guangxi and stropping on leather?

Thanks again everyone.

You don't have to buy a diamond plate from the start. Use sandpaper, get a few pieces of 200 grit, 600 grit, 1000 grit, start from the coarser and proceed to the finer, until your stone is smooth. And don't forget to use a completely flat surface to place them on it. Clean the stones thoroughly, and they are set to go.
Yes, the 1k and 6k stones are "coarser", and you follow a progression, from the coarser to the finest, although you can skip a few steps, depending on the condition of your edge.
Stropping paste is not necessary at all if you find a good Chinese finishing stone, but stropping on plain, clean leather is necessary.

If you find out that you enjoy honing, and you start to see results, or have more than 10 razors, a diamond plate or two would be useful in the future, but for now, sandpaper is enough. And, if you can buy a small slurry stone with the Chinese natural finishing hone, it would be helpful.