Thread: Naniwa decisions...

Well I got my Naniwa's in today and I honed a razor that has been giving me big problems on my coticules. I dulled the blade on glass and set the bevel on my DMT 1200. I did about 30 laps on the Naniwa 5k, 20-25 laps on the 8k, and 15-20 laps on the 12k. I stropped and shaved, no pastes. WOW, what an amazing edge these hones leave. It felt just as smooth as my coticule edges and was a heck of a lot easier to use. I'm looking forward to learning the Naniwa's, but already I am very impressed. Much more user friendly for me except for those stupid stickers. Are there any progressions specific to the Naniwa's? Not sure if I did too many or not enough laps, but the shave was damn good.

You did about right, but every razor is different...so there is no real set # to go by. After a while you will get a "feel" when the razor is ready to go to the next stone. Glad you like your new stones...it only gets better as you progress your skills.

I know what you mean about those *&^%$@! stickers! Fortunately the stones last a long time. JUST DON'T TRY TO TAKE THEM OUT OF THE PLASTIC HOLDER. I HAVE A BROKEN 5K FROM TRYING TO REMOVE IT. THE NEW ONE JUST ARRIVED.

I have a standard Naniwa progression following a set bevel, and it has worked for every blade I've tried (Solingen, Sheffield, American, SS, etc., etc.)

50 circles (pushing any stubborn areas), 25 rolling half-X-strokes, 20 rolling x-strokes.

I do this on Nani 2K, 5K, 8K, 12K. I do 10 very light (negative pressure) X-strokes on the 12K as well.

Strop and shave. So far, 100% hit rate,

Can you use the Naniwa 12k to touch-up a razor?

The naniwa 12k can be used for touchups. Even though it is a fast cutter for it's grit range, it's a relatively slow cutter overall. You'll probably need to use it at the first sign of dulling for it to be fully effective.

With regards to Naniwa progressions, you'll have to find what works for you. The baseline that Lynn shared with me quite some time ago was, after you set the bevel, 40 circles with some pressure per side on the 5k, then 40 with no pressure per side on the 5k, then 10 x's with no pressure on the 5k. Then 10 x's with no pressure on the 8k, then 10 on the 12k (or sub in another finisher). I have tweaked that for myself based on experimentation. My stroke is simply different than Lynn's, and your's and everyone else's will be different too.

My first thought on reading your progression for that razor is that you may need to do more on the 5k. The Naniwas are fast, but the DMT leaves deep scratches for a bevel setter. Of course, the proof is in the shave, so if you are totally happy with the shave, don't change a thing. But if you find yourself looking for a little more, try a bit more on the 5k and then work your way back up.

Something I personally have found is that doing a little extra per hone ups your success rate, but may cost you a little extra metal. Hunting for the lowest number of strokes will be more time and metal efficient, but can result in a lower success rate. You need to figure out what works for you, which you value more, and then build a progression that works for you.

Couple of things to look at for fun on the Naniwa's

http://straightrazorpalace.com/advan...iwa-users.html

YouTube - gssixgun's Channel


On my channel there are some Naniwa vids up that show some techniques with them...