What really is the best Finish Hone on the Planet ????
Here are some rambling thoughts on why this is always such a hot topic..
First let me start by saying this, I either own or have at least tried way more hones then most, and way less then some...
From naturals to the Shapton 30k
Now let's purpose a test here:
Take one common Solingen made razor, and make it shave ready on say the Norton 1-4-8 then each day change the finish..
First day is the Norton 8k
next day we add a Coticule
next day we use a Thuringen
next day a Naniwa 10-12
next a Shapton 16-30
next an Escher
the next a Ch12
a Charlney Forest
a Arkansas super fine
a Japanese natural (OMG which one)
A Spyderco Ultra follows that
and
and
and
At the end of 2-3 weeks I say ok the best shave was X hone I tried them all and that is the conclusion..
Is that a true test of the hones???? Nope not even close, heck we didn't even use some of the hones correctly...
So now we change it and add in a few razors
a Sheffield wedge
a Spanish Filarmonica
an American steel hollow
A Swede
a TI
a Japanese razor
and
and
and
Now at the end of 1 year I say well I tested all the razors on all the hones and X hone is the best...
Was that an accurate test???? Nope, because all it told me was what my face liked so now we have to test everyones face on all the razors on all the hones and guess what the conclusion is????
Yep, that's right, quite a few different opinions out there
and that my friends is why on every single thread that we discuss this, all you ever really get is people's own favorite stone, just a simple opinion...
It makes for good discussion, but really it is all just personal opinion...
So in closing I must say that although there are tons of opinions on what to use, always remember that they are just that and nothing more... It is only your own face, that can ever decide what the best finishing hone is on the planet...
Now in my humble opinion that stone is.....................................:soapbox:
Heck personally I think the lower end of the spectrum is way more important anyway the bevel set to the sharpen stage... :)