Thread: Some Naniwa love

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....

I like saying "I told ya so" on this one hehehehe

The Naniwa SS are great hones, my workhorses. From time to time, I'll hone a blade for a member, 9x out of 10, it's on the Naniwa's. Most recently using Glen's system, which works wonderfully by the way, I get rave review's. Recently, I did a blade for an exchange student visiting Jacksonville from Belgium. He was ready to give up. He was so pleased with the blade, that he sent me a box of Belgian Chocolate when he got back home...

Wow, belgian chocolate and you didn't share?

I too use the ss set as my major go to honing system. It works when nothing else does. Add Glen's system to the mix and it just plain works.

I think most of you know that i am learning to hone my razors (all two of em) and you guys have given me great help. I have stones up to the Norton 8K. Would the 12K SS be a good next stone for me to get and to use it after the Norton 8K
Thanks Glenn

I think that it would be a great finisher after the norton 8k. I would suggest you wait until after the Yakima meet. gssixgun tends to travel with a case that weighs more than many can lift and I'm sure he will let you play with a few finishers.

Outstanding cant wait, hope my honing does not cause unrecoverable embaresment to myself though

You should have seen me one year ago!

I too have taken a stone from the naniwas to a coticule, but I tried Robert Williams method of diamond spray a while ago and I have to say that I took it back to the naniwas after to get a comfortable edge.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

I like saying "I told ya so" on this one hehehehe

Yes, Glen has been vey helpful in this step, as well as many earlier ones. Many thanks.

However (and I hate to admit this) I must have missed his Naniwa honing method (thought I'd read all 10,188 posts!) Can anyone point me to it??

 

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