Thread: First Razor Hone

I think it is time.

I am looking into getting the Nanwia 10K or maybe even the 12K with a DMT for lapping. I will be adding to the 10K or 12k eventually with the lower grit stones for setting bevels as well however that will wait.

Unless someone stops me the purchase will be made on Monday so that I will be able to start touching up my razors. I however do think the stone will be a good choice.

Thoughts are welcome. Yes I have been reading the Wiki as well.

Naniwa 10 or 12k are both good choices, and the DMT325 is my lapper of choice. Sounds like you're off to a great start.

The shapton glass stones are amazing...but your choice is a good one too!

I bought a naniwa 12k recently, but it is soooo fine I really wish I bought a norton 4k/8k for my first hone instead.

Do be sure to get nothing finer than the DMT 325 for lapping. I used my 600 for a while before I knew better--you can actually erode the diamond grit from your 600 DMT by lapping water stones with it. It's a really shiny, flat piece of nickel now.

I bought a ~$30.00 diamond hone at Cabela's recently, intending to flatten stones with it. Nice big hone, good deal too. Before I used it, I checked it against a Starret straight edge... and it WAS NOT FLAT. These same hones are in kitchen stores, though priced higher. Be careful out there! The DMTs are reliable; the lookalikes may not be.

Ok, I did not wait until Monday.

Just placed the order for the

DMT 325
Naniwa 1k, 5K, 8k, 12k.

Oh well, it has begun.

Now you can add another item to your signature line.
Have fun with your new toys!

I started like you did; Norton, King, Naniwa and ended up with three basic stones. I purchased a Coti/ yellow, BBW and chinese 12k; I use the Coti w/slurry to set or create my bevel, the BBW w/slurry to sharpen, Coti w/water to polish and chinese 12k to finish the polishing, go the CRO2 in balsa wood bench, finally to a latigo strop. I can tell a smoother shave and not that aggresive as with the manmade stones. I hope you have a lot of fun with your honing; it is very relaxing. Good luck Juan.