Every once in a while, I discover something about honing that turns it from a pleasure into a real joy.

I recently broke down and purchased the SRD Naniwa "Value Set," mostly because I have a Chandler SS that refused to respond to any of my naturals (cotis, Thurris, Nakayamas) for a final finish. I read somewhere on these fora that SS appreciates high grit synthetic finishers.

Long story short, 20 X strokes on the 12K and it was HHT4 all along the blade. Shaved with it this AM. No longer a "decent" shaver, but an outstanding one.

I also took another (carbon) razor I'd been struggling with. Bevel set, I just did 20 half-strokes and 20 X strokes on my 2K (previously purchased), then my new 5K, 8K, and 12K stones. Since I hadn't yet shaved with the Chandler and thought I might not like the feel of the 12K finish, I did 40 on a Thurri. Again, HHT4 everywhere (this invariably correlates with a great shave for me). Will shave tomorrow with it.

The feel off the 12K, by the way, amazed me. I expected it to be too harsh for me, but honestly it felt as soft as my usual blades finished on a coti or Thurri.

I know it's early innings and all, but at the moment I'm thinking that this is the best hone-related purchase I ever made. It almost feels like I'm cheating....