Thread: Chinese 12k vs Naniwa 12k

Can any of you describe how different an edge would be coming of a chinese 12k vs a Naniwa 12k. I ask this because I'm thinking about buying one or the other and just want to know if it is worth the money to spring for the Naniwa. I understand that the C12 is a slow cutter but I don't really mind spending the extra time. What do you guys think? Thank you.

I forgot to add that I would be using a Norton 4k/8k before this.

I think most guys here will vote for the Nani, despite the price difference. It's lots faster and, in my experience, more effective. If you've only a couple of razors, though, the Guangxi can get the job done.

I had both, and sold the C12k. Imho the nani leaves a better edge, is easier to use, easier to lap, and faster. Really, the only advantage the C12k has above the nani is the price. Spend the extra money, and get the naniwa, you won't be disappointed. BTW, that deep mirror finish is worth the +money on its own

The advantage of the Naniwa is that a lot of guys here have one (myself included! ) and can easily give advice on how to use it.

The C12k is more variable as it's a natural stone and so harder to give advice on. It's also much slower from what I've read and results can vary depending on how good the stone is. Sone are better than others.

The Naniwa 12k is reliable, consistent and affordable, and there are plenty of folks here who can offer advice if needed.

I have both, and I truly enjoy both.

My Naniwa (as most will probably say) has a softer feel to it, and puts a great edge on with significantly fewer strokes.

However, I think I lucked out with a good C12K, because every time I've finished with it I have had a fantastic edge.

There is a higher risk with purchasing a natural stone vs a synthetic hone. How about getting them both?

Originally Posted by Maxi

There is a higher risk with purchasing a natural stone vs a synthetic hone. How about getting them both?

Im just on a tight budget so I was deciding on one of the two. Maybe Ill just wait and see if anything pops up in the classifieds. It sounds like I may go with the Naniwa though.

Originally Posted by Stubear

The Naniwa 12k is reliable, consistent and affordable, and there are plenty of folks here who can offer advice if needed.

Stu summed it up right here. Don't waste your time and energy on the PHIG like I did back when...

I have both and the Naniwa 12K SuperStone wins hands down.

One interesting point about the Chinese 12K is that as
a natural stone it will be one sample from a quarry.
Some will be fine some not so fine. You are not
rolling dice with a quality man made hone like the Naniwa.

The Naniwa 12K is a fast enough to follow the 8k side
of a Norton 4k/8k combo with ease. Especially so with
a little left over white slurry from lapping the Naniwa.

None of the Chinese natural hones arrived at my home flat
enough to hone a razor. They are hard as heck and
will consume all but an extra extra coarse DMT plate if
a lot of work is needed. If you add the price of a monster
DMT the Chinese hones are less of a bargain.

With a Naniwa it can be lapped flat with running
water and 3M wet dry paper and then touched up
for each razor with a smaller less aggressive DMT.

The Chinese 12K rock works wonders on kitchen knives.
The Naniwa and Norton8k are almost too soft and too easily
gouged with knives and chisels. Most of us will want
both eventually.


I should also note that Nanawa makes three
different hones. The SuperStone, The Chosera
and Aotoshi. The superstones can be purchased
1cm and 2cm thick with or without a base if
you shop in the right places. Superstones
go to 12K while Chosera max at 10K. I am not
sure where the Naniwa Snow White 8k fits in
but I want one and will get one when I get
a white iPhone.

I have some China-made grinding stone such as diamond , 12k natural stone .... , as it is cheap in HONG KONG & PRC
12k black stone is not easily used , it need much time to make som slury paste ...Anyone who is interested I can sold to him .
Now I am using Japanese whestones such as 1k ,3k ,5k, 8k,10k .I will buy 20k very soon .