Thread: Pastes VS High Grit Hones

a 12k, followed by some .50 diamond spray should really be enough. You get quite spoiled using the diamond spray. The keeness of the blade is really hard to beat.

.5 micron spray on a separate strop, followed by plain leather, followed by an amazing shave!

Pastes are definitely cheaper than a good high grit stone, that's for sure. And, by all accounts they do as good a job too. Me, I invested in a few J-nat high grit stones (among others), so I use them over pastes. In the end it boils down to whatever works for you, really.

James.

I'd recommend the 12k stone, since it will polish out your 8k scratch pattern faster than will a 16k stone. The Naniwas have a reputation for being very fast, and the cheaper C12ks have one for being very slow. Also, the C12ks and modern (i.e., affordable) Thuringians are not that consistent in their grits. As an artificial stone, the Naniwa is your best bet for actually getting what you paid for.

I have both 0.5u diamond spray and CrOx paste, each on a different felt pad. The diamond takes you very quickly to a very very keen edge, but it can be harsh to shave with. However, if you've got a really hard steel blade (like a Case), the diamond really helps. CrOx gives a smoother edge but is slower going on hard steel. I'll strop on the diamond for keen, then on the CrOx for smooth, and it works well for me.

SRD makes a modular paddle strop--that's what I've got my felt pads on. If you get one, put some linseed oil or other finish inside where the paddle is hollowed out. Mine swells a little out of flat from time to time. I take off the pads and let it sit in the sun a while--the heat drives out the moisture quite quickly.

While you're getting a package together, consider also getting a 325-grit DMT plate to lap your hones, if you don't already have one.

Good luck and happy honing!

Originally Posted by austy

Oz - specifically, what grade sprays do you use? Do I need separate strops for each? Or would a paddle be better?

Atm, I'm using the SRD 0.5 micron diamond spray on felt sometimes followed by jewellers rouge on felt. My preference is for a paddle & yes you need separate medium to avoid cross contamination.

Buy the Naniwa 12K. Don't look back, reconsider, imagine something else will work better, fall in love with Eschers, Nakayamas, etc. because they are romantic, rare, exotic; mess with diamond, crox, graphite, 0.1 emerald or pixie dust on linen, pressed flax or whatever else is out there.

Buy the 12K and never, NEVER look back.

Originally Posted by roughkype

I'd recommend the 12k stone, since it will polish out your 8k scratch pattern faster than will a 16k stone.

You obviously don't have/or have used a Shapton GS 16K...

Originally Posted by pcb01

Buy the Naniwa 12K. Don't look back, reconsider, imagine something else will work better, fall in love with Eschers, Nakayamas, etc. because they are romantic, rare, exotic; mess with diamond, crox, graphite, 0.1 emerald or pixie dust on linen, pressed flax or whatever else is out there.

Buy the 12K and never, NEVER look back.

This is easy to say, I would be the happiest forum member if I could do that

Man, that spew could be laid to a track, beautiful, some rhythm sounds like poetry. alx

Originally Posted by pcb01

Buy the Naniwa 12K. Don't look back, reconsider, imagine something else will work better, fall in love with Eschers, Nakayamas, etc. because they are romantic, rare, exotic; mess with diamond, crox, graphite, 0.1 emerald or pixie dust on linen, pressed flax or whatever else is out there.

Buy the 12K and never, NEVER look back.

Originally Posted by shooter74743

You obviously don't have/or have used a Shapton GS 16K...

No, I haven't. The 16k is faster than a 12k? Wow. Bad assumption by me, sorry all.