12K, Paste or Spray???

Hello Gents,
I've been happily shaving for about a month and a half now and have a couple shave ready razors. I am definitely interested in getting some hones at some point in the future, probably a Norton 220/1K & 4k/8k, but for the moment am weighing possible edge refreshing options and have a few questions. I've read about Chinese 12k being great for finishing after the Norton stones and can be used to refresh an edge in between trips to the stones as well. I've also read about people using CrOX or diamond spray to refresh or finish.
(i) Are these two methods completely interchangeable or simply complementary?
(ii) When I eventually get stones up to 8k could I go directly to paste and/or spray on an SRD modular (for example) or is the 12K (or other finishing stone) a required intermediate step?

I realize this might all be subjective but I figured I could try and learn a bit from the collective experience of the community until I can manage some of my own.

Thanks!

My current set up is Shapton 1K, Norton 4K/8K, Shapton 16K, and paste/spray (depending on the day). I touched up my razors for a while on my 16K and had no problems. However after using the paste or spray I have found that it makes for a much smoother edge. You can use paste or spray to refresh an edge, but as I understand it this will not work indefinately. However I have only been using the paste for a short time so I am sure a more experienced member can correct or support me.
In terms of a finishing hone, like my 16K or a C12K, Naniwa 12K, etc. You can pretty much maintain a razor edge as long as you want, as you are actually honing the razor.

Both. I would use both if I had them I suppose. Either would work well alone.

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Originally Posted by porridgeorange

Hello Gents,
I've read about Chinese 12k being great for finishing after the Norton stones and can be used to refresh an edge in between trips to the stones as well. I've also read about people using CrOX or diamond spray to refresh or finish.
(i) Are these two methods completely interchangeable or simply complementary?

Yes and No. You can go to a paste such as crox or Diamond after your 12k. It will bring out more keeness, in most cases. YMMV.

You can also use one in lieu of the other, However;

You cannot continually use pastes as it can lead to a rounded edge. After using a paste or Diamond spray to refresh edge, I'd use a hone the next time.


(ii) When I eventually get stones up to 8k could I go directly to paste and/or spray on an SRD modular (for example) or is the 12K (or other finishing stone) a required intermediate step?

Either, After the 8k, I'd use the 12k if I had it, then maybe hit the Crox.
Sometimes, I'll use Diamond paste, and back up to crox to smooth out some keeness. You can experiment with your blades and see what you like...

I realize this might all be subjective but I figured I could try and learn a bit from the collective experience of the community until I can manage some of my own.

Thanks!

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get the c-12 it gives a more comfortable edge

Before I had my coticule i'd go from my 8k Norton to paddle strop pasted with CrOx and it worked fine...I still go to the CrOx even after the coti :)

Ben,

I would say get both :)

I do a weekly touch up on a CrOx pasted hard-leather strop, then a monthly touch up on a 12k Naniwa.

I find the 'little-but-often' approach works very well on my daily razors.

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

Another random question regarding blade refreshing...A lot of folks seems to use use tape to protect the spine while honing because the stones take metal off, should tape ever be used when using either a c12k for refreshing or using abrasives on a strop or is the cutting so slow on those that it is completely unnecessary?

Thanks Again!

If the razor was honed using tape then the same amount need to be on the spine for finishing (12k) and for pastes as well. Stropping on leather doesn't need tape because of the give on the strop.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Disburden

If the razor was honed using tape then the same amount need to be on the spine for finishing (12k) and for pastes as well. Stropping on leather doesn't need tape because of the give on the strop.

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This is very interesting...would a paddle strop provide enough "give" so as to not require taping to maintain the bevel angle...If not then does anyone tape when using a paddle strop with or without abrasive. Also, I don't hone (yet) and have no idea whether or not my blade has been taped. I have one blade which I know was not taped because it was new when I sent it out and now has barely visible marks on the spine. But are there other ways to know whether a a blade has been taped other than busting out the calipers before and after ( I guess I could ask for my razor to be taped or no taped beforehand, but I've not done that)

Thanks,