Thread: Naniwa 10 or 12k?

I have the Naniwa 3 and 8k stones and was thinking of adding either a 10 or a 12k to compliment these. I was thinking about the 12k.

Is there any reason that I should not choose the 12k?

I've heard some reports that the 12k can leave little chips in the edge but I haven't done much testing on that myself. I've felt the 12k edge can be a little harsh to my face but I tend to lean towards natural finishers and I don't have the whole naniwa system which I'm told gives a smoother result when used together.

I have been using the 12k coming off of the Norton 8k and have been very happy with it.

dnjrboy,

I have both the 10 & 12k Naniwas, and most often use the 12 k as the final stone in my honing.

Both the 10 & 12 k have given me very good edges for shaving.

I find the 10k useful for touch ups on razors that need just a little more 'oomph' than the 12k gives (i.e. I have left the razor a little bit too long before the touch-up !!).

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

I have the 2k,5k,8k, and finish with the 10k which works very well. If I was to do it again, I think I would get the 12k.

I think you would be better off with the 12K, not much of a jump from 8K to 10K. I've heard good reports from folks like Lynn on the edge a 12K can leave.

Originally Posted by Disburden

I've heard some reports that the 12k can leave little chips in the edge but I haven't done much testing on that myself. I've felt the 12k edge can be a little harsh to my face but I tend to lean towards natural finishers and I don't have the whole naniwa system which I'm told gives a smoother result when used together.

Yeah that just ain't so IME, in fact my GOTO stones for chippy edges are the Naniwa SS...

Give me a Big ole' Friodur, a Revisor, Wacker, TI "Z" or any other that tend to get a bit chippy, and I will head straight to the Naniwas...

This of cousre is my experience with them and many other stones/hones YMMV

Do you think that has to do with the fact that you own the whole set of naniwas and use them as such? I've only used mine after the norton 8k side and experienced harshness to the face.

I go from an 8K to a 12K and the Naniwa 12K works well for me. From here, I lap the razor on a paddle strop using a 1.0 diamond spray.

Pabster

Originally Posted by Disburden

Do you think that has to do with the fact that you own the whole set of naniwas and use them as such? I've only used mine after the norton 8k side and experienced harshness to the face.

I don't know,, my instant reaction would be "No", but I have not tested it myself...I do however believe that certain razors work better with certain stones/hones...
But
I think sometimes way to much is made of those outcomes..It is rather funny that we all strive for the very best for our face yet most of us agree the difference between a "Great" shave and an "Exceptional" shave is very minute and has so many different factors that can account for it...
Also
I know that a finish is a finish, I do tons of razors on the 1-4-8 Nortons or the 1-3-8 Naniwas, then switch to a different Natural finisher after that with good effect... Just the other night I honed 6 razors that way and used a Coticule on 3 Sheffielders, a Chinese PHIG on a Heljie and a Escher on 2 Solingen edges..
I haven't done a switch to another synthetic in over 3 years but back in 07 I used to hone Norton 1-4-8 and a switch to the Shapton Sweet 16 with good results...

Now what is funny is after just typing that I just realized that if I am going to do a known Chippy type razor it does not even cross my mind to use anything but the full Naniwa line 1-3-5-8-10-12 Hmmmmmm

See what I mean, who knows man, gotta try it, yourself, then ya gotta decide for yourself, I guess...