Thread: Chinese 12k stone

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Natural stones are just that, natural and also naturally confusing from one to the next...

In other words, my rock ain't necessarily the same as your rock!

Originally Posted by gssixgun

There are actually some of us HAD freaks that enjoy that allure of the naturals..

In other words, even if I some day get "every" kind of rock, I'll still worry that your rock might be better than my rock so I'll need to get yet another rock.

I have no experience with honing so please forgive me if I say anything really stupid.

I have only one stone, a Chinese 12,000grit water-stone which I use whenever I feel my razor is dull.

I recently bought a vintage straight razor, “Boker A&Tree band” and it really needs to be honed as it is absolutely non-shave ready.

My question is this: can I do it only with my 12,000grit water stone or I have to by a 4,000/8,000 comb stone?
I am trying to avoid expenses at the moment, and if there is the possibility of avoiding to buy a new stone I would prefer that.

If I pass the razor 500 or even 1000 times on the Chinese 12,000 would that restore the edge?


Thank you very much.

'Makes me wonder if there might be forum members in your area that could help by letting you use a stone for a few minutes. There's a google map page that shows the location of members.

Other than that, perhaps a diamond spray on a strop to do some of the cutting before starting the many laps on the c12k? Also - the chinese stone will cut faster if you raise a slurry with another hard stone or diamond plate. The edges can be quite good, depending on the person honing and the razor being honed.

The Chinese 12K is a very very slow hone. if you have a few weeks to sit at the stone you may be able to get a bevel and sharpen an old razor, I'm sorry.

12K stones are ok for retouching up a razor when it gets a little tuggy on the face, but it won't sharpen dull razors unless you spend a load of time on it.
I would definitely buy a Norton 4/8k if you were going to hone razors, it can't be beat for the price.

Originally Posted by Slur

I have no experience with honing so please forgive me if I say anything really stupid.

I have only one stone, a Chinese 12,000grit water-stone which I use whenever I feel my razor is dull.

I recently bought a vintage straight razor, “Boker A&Tree band” and it really needs to be honed as it is absolutely non-shave ready.

My question is this: can I do it only with my 12,000grit water stone or I have to by a 4,000/8,000 comb stone?
I am trying to avoid expenses at the moment, and if there is the possibility of avoiding to buy a new stone I would prefer that.

If I pass the razor 500 or even 1000 times on the Chinese 12,000 would that restore the edge?


Thank you very much.

Originally Posted by pinklather

...Also - the chinese stone will cut faster if you raise a slurry with another hard stone or diamond plate. The edges can be quite good, depending on the person honing and the razor being honed.

If I raise slurry with this stone would it hone better?

If the razor is so dull, say from a thrift shop, and has no bevel then no.

I am convinced.
I just ordered a Norton 4000/8000.

Thank you very much for the answers.