Thread: Which hone first?

Awhile back I purchased a Franz Swaty hone. Recently I also acquired an Edlis Special No. 715 hone. Both are identical in size, and almost identical in color. The Edlis, though, seems softer, more clay-like, as opposed to the Swaty which seems granite-like.
So which one would I use first, after coming off my Norton 8K.
I tried comparing results in a loupe, but couldn't tell much difference.

Originally Posted by souschefdude

Awhile back I purchased a Franz Swaty hone. Recently I also acquired an Edlis Special No. 715 hone. Both are identical in size, and almost identical in color. The Edlis, though, seems softer, more clay-like, as opposed to the Swaty which seems granite-like.
So which one would I use first, after coming off my Norton 8K.
I tried comparing results in a loupe, but couldn't tell much difference.

none of them. why you need after 8k norton?

Because I am a hack with a hone. I am new to this, and while I can get a shave off an 8k, I can get a COMFORTABLE shave only when using something higher in grit.

I am not familiar with the softer hone, but I don't think the Swaty is higher in grit than 8K. Finished off the Swaty or the Norton, the razor should provide a comfortable shave, but it sounds like you are looking more for a finishing stone. With what you have now, try a few laps on the Swaty and see how you like it. I like it with lather for quick touchups.

Try chrom oxide after Norton 8K.

I had read the Swaty was about a 12K. I do notice a more polished edge after using the Swaty, as opposed to the 8k.

None of them
If you first learn to hone until you can shave off the 8K, then you will benefit from going higher. Walk before running A colleague of mine has started woodworking, and he told me that he only started making progress after he realized that he should first learn to use basic tools properly until he could use those. After that his progress was much better.

The same applies to honing and restoration.

I can shave off an 8k.
It is just more comfortable with the Swaty.
If I got to the point where the 8K was more comfortable, what benefit would there be to going higher?

Originally Posted by souschefdude

I can shave off an 8k.
It is just more comfortable with the Swaty.
If I got to the point where the 8K was more comfortable, what benefit would there be to going higher?

At first you don't have to mad at us.
What we say is This.
your 8k norton should give to you comfortable shave and i would go head to say better edge then swaty.
What happens is this.
your blade sharpened by someone to shave ready condition . you use this blade sometime then when it gets dull you use swaty and edge comes back to sharper stage.
This makes you think swaty is better then norton 8k,
in reality it isn't.
i don't know from where or whom you got information swaty is 12 . it is just not correct.
That is why Bruno mention to you try to get maximum out of your 8k.
Now if you like to get maximum out of your 8 k which you will have comfortable shave

Please don't use any pressure while you are making your last 15-20 strokes on 8k norton. check the edge and still dull do same 15 strokes without pressure.check the edge again and so on until you will see as soon as edge touches hairs they fall off.

i hope this will help you and i was polite enough.
gl

First of all I am not mad. A little frustrated, but not mad. Frustrated cause my question is not being answered and is contradicting other posts in threads on this website. I read all the time of people honing on 8k then on a 12 k, then on a 16k, then on Angels farts for a finish.
Yes ultimately I should be able to get my skill to a point where I can split the hairs on a gnats eyelash with an 8k hone, but I am not there. So therefore I would like to be able to shave with comfort until my skills improve, and not walk around looking like a blushing idiot with red cheeks.
I appreciate the help and knowledge in getting my honing skills up to snuff.