Thread: the space between

ok, now i know i am gonna get varied response on this, but here it goes. in a few weeks i am gonna order a new stone, to take the space between my escher, and my 8k naniwa. now i know i can order a 10k naniwa, or i could go with a bbw, or even a coti. how subjective is the awnser.

I don't think a BBW or coti is the way to go, unless you can get one hand selected to fit there; if not, chances are it will not work out as you'd like. With a synthetic, you know exactly what you are getting. I'd say go with the Naniwa 10k or 12k, depending on how your Escher cuts.

I totally agree with Dylan, get a 10k or 12k Naniwa. They're great stones, leave a really smooth edge and are very consistent.

Naturals vary so much from stone to stone that you might not get what you're looking for in terms of grit size and polish.

I have a YG Escher and I also have a Naniwa 8K.
Sham once mentioned that one should not go from the 8K to the Escher.
I interpreted that he saw it as unfit to produce the best possible edge; however further discussion confirmed that it were for a different reason - being that he believed it wastes the rare Escher, when a bridging hone may be used.

In my experience, it is not necessary to add a hone. I recommed however that once a razor is shave ready off the 8K, generate a light slurry on the Escher. 20 laps is fine. Then dilute for maybe 10-20 more, and do another 10 or so with just plain water. This gives a great edge for me using my Escher after a Nani 8K with virtually any hollow ground razor.

If you did wish to add a coticule, I can advise that the coticules I have used bridge the gap effectively, equating to fewer laps on the Escher. Is it worth it? I don't know how much disposable income you have!

Another thing? What is a coticule? Is it a stone we all know and can recommed? An 'average' coti (6*2'' medium cutter) will suffice nicely. You'll be able to use it for other work also.

BBW? In my experience this will degrade a Naniwa 8k's edge. It is for me somewhere between a 3K Nani and an 8k, but closer to the 3K. I use it between them sometimes.

I have never used a 10K Nani, but from what I have read from experienced memebers either this or a 12K Nani will allow you to go from the 8k to the Escher. I have also read that an Escher does little to a 12K Nani's edge in terms of improvement. I can not confirm this however.

My best advice is to stick with your current set up and use a light slurry on the Escher. Unless you wish to try coticules for other purposes than simply bridging, stay with what you have.

Originally Posted by Scipio

In my experience, it is not necessary to add a hone. I recommed however that once a razor is shave ready off the 8K, generate a light slurry on the Escher. 20 laps is fine. Then dilute for maybe 10-20 more, and do another 10 or so with just plain water. This gives a great edge for me using my Escher after a Nani 8K with virtually any hollow ground razor.

My best advice is to stick with your current set up and use a light slurry on the Escher. Unless you wish to try coticules for other purposes than simply bridging, stay with what you have.

+1 Almost to the letter, I use a touch different slurry count, but that is only a difference of the Eschers themselves, each Natural stone will be a bit different..
You have to adjust for your own stone and your on style of honing...

+1. Although if you're interested in a finer grain finishing/polishing stone, you might want to consider the Chinese 16K stone. It's inexpensive and it does a pretty good job.

I have been coming off the 8K Norton, Shapton and Naniwa to my Escher for quite some time now and only doing 10 X strokes on the Escher with water only. This continues to produce very good results and in most cases produces a fine shave without pastes or sprays. I still like to use the sprays and pastes for that little extra, but that is just my preference. I guess you could try the 10K in between, but personally, I'm just not sure it's needed.

Have fun,

Lynn

Originally Posted by fdennis

+1. Although if you're interested in a finer grain finishing/polishing stone, you might want to consider the Chinese 16K stone. It's inexpensive and it does a pretty good job.

Chinese 16k? I've not heard of that stone, though the 12K is popular. I've never used it, however the general consensus amongst experienced honers here is that the Escher is far superior, both in speed and quality of edge produced.

Edit: My Escher is my favourite finisher. I'm pretty certain I'd choose it over my Chanleys if I had to choose only one...

slurry stones, my escher doesnt have one, are there any particular ones that i should use.

Originally Posted by Scipio

Chinese 16k? I've not heard of that stone, though the 12K is popular.

I suspect that's may be a typo.