Which Grit Level ?

[gencer]

Hi All,

Unfortunately my razor is now dull and i've resorted to using a Gillette temporarily . It cuts leg hair quite nicely but its a little too rough for the face. I have a Naniwa 12k hone on which i attempted to bring the blade back with, but all i managed to achieved was getting the edge nice and shiny.

I've been reading a lot and at the same have been getting confused a lot as well. I've come to the conclusion that i probably need a 1k and either an 5k or 8k to complement my 12k. I'm looking at the Naniwas again as these are quicker to get hold of.

Could someone tell me if i'm on the right track with my thinking or not please.

Thanks.

[mainaman]

you should be able to get by just fine with 1k and 5k.
If you decide to get those grits, fist start with the 5k, then 12k and see if there is an improvement, if not go back to 1k and work up the grits.

[markevens]

The norton 4k/8k combo would probably suit you just fine. I would think that unless you severely damaged your razor, you wouldn't need a 1k (unless you wanted to restore of course.)

[zib]

I have lot's of hones, but my go to hones are the Naniwa SS's. Actually, a 1, 5, and 8 will do nicely. 1k for bevel setting, then the 5k, 8k, and finish with the 12k. That's a good setup. Setting a proper bevel is key. PM me if I can be of any help...

The Norton 4/8 is good as well.

Rich

[gencer]

Thanks for advice guys. I probably don't need the 1k, but seeing as i'm getting one hone i might as well get the 1k as well.

Is there much difference between the 5k and 8k then ? Is it ok to go from the 5k to the 12k, or is the 8k needed for bit more fine tuning before hitting the 12k ?

[Utopian]

Wait, stop, hold on, halt, pause, and reconsider.

From what you wrote, you at least imply that the blade WAS sharp and shaved well but now no longer is/does. Is that correct?

What kind of razor is it?

Have you ever successfully honed any other razor?

The point I'm working toward is that your 12k should be sufficient to touch up a previously correctly honed decent razor. You should not need to drop lower than that. If you do need to go lower, then I certainly wouldn't start with a 5K or worse, a 1k. You may not need another hone, you may need to become a better honer.

[HNSB]

Clearly the problem is that you're Chuck Norris.
Try a chainsaw instead of a razor.

[gssixgun]

For the Naniwa SS Progression the 1k then either the 3 or 5 then the 8k then the 12k will do you just fine...

As a beginner I would push you more toward the 3k then the 5k because 99% of all beginner honing problems start at the bevel the 3k would give you a bit more low end cutting power where you will need it...

Utopian is probably right though, if you can't get a touch up to pop off the 12k, you really are going to be learning how to hone...

[Joed]

All of the above advice is good but it really depends on your honing skills as noted above. If your razor shaved fine and just needed a tune up 10 laps max on the 12k should have been enough. I am using laps as a reference. The number of laps really depends on the quality of the finished edge.

If you are eager to buy hones and want to learn how to hone first get your every day straight razor honed professionally. Buy your Naniwa hones in the 1k, 3 or 5k and 8k to go with your 12k. The Norton 1k, 4k, 8k is another option. Next purchase a low cost, good quality razor to learn honing on so that you still have a usable razor to use for shaving. Best advice is to learn to hone on a razor that you can take your time with and not depend on it for shaving with while learning to hone.

Good luck!

[Kees]

If it cuts leg hairs as you wrote, and does so along the entire length of the cutting edge, you should be OK with a finishing hone only in my humble opinion.

The lower grit hones mentioned above wil reset the bevel and I doubt whether that is necessary. Less (metal removed) is more (metal left on the blade)!