Thread: Which Grit Level ?

With one razor I was touching up, I was very light on the 12k and only gave it 10 strokes then had a shave. The results weren't the best so I went back and gave it another 15 and the shave was great! Whether it was my honing technique, or the razor metal, it just needed a few more to get to where I wanted it.

With other razors that have lost their edge slightly, I've just gone back to my 8k with say 10-15 laps, then the 12k for 10-15 laps and a strop. Likely not necessary every time, but I'm still learning my hones and other razors so sometimes it's easier to go back a stone for a few and move up again.

I like to have a pro honed razor around to compare against when I hone to see where I'm at. Obviously these means a few razors and another stone but I think with a 4/8k and 12k you would be set for a long time unless you have the need to bevel set a razor perhaps

Looks like the 4/8k is the way forwards. I'll order myself one as soon as i can find a store in the uk has the combo stone.

Thanks for all the advice guys.

I think it was Ron (Utopian) who has maintained a set of 7 razors for many years with nothing more than a Barber hone & strop.
Barring any damage or neglect a 12k should see you thru but dropping back a grit can help when needed as you've noticed

Funny post.

For many years guys maintained their razors with nothing more than a barbers hone or the Norton 4K/8K and they got great shaves. Then the Coticule came along and it was the cat's meow. Now things have exploded and guys want to keep looking for the ultimate. I have no doubt 5 years from now people will talk about the edge off a Shapton 30K as garbage and have some new standard of excellence in honing and so it goes on.