Thread: Sigma Power Select II

I just dropped some money on the 1K and 10K versions of these stones. Does anyone here have any experience with them? They are meant to be fast cutters. I've read differing accounts on their dishability - on the one hand I've read that the price for speed is that they dish, on the other I have read that they do not dish because they do their job so quickly! lol Perhaps it is all a moot point anyway with straights. Compared to tools or knives, there is very little metal to remove on a straight razor, even when setting a bevel.

Anyway, any and all information people might have would be appreciated. If no one knows anything, I guess I will just have to learn for myself and post back here in a few weeks when they arrive.

James.

I'll be interested in hearing what you thing of these stones James. I have tried the Sigma hard and soft 1K's and although they worked for bevel setting, I did not find them to work as well as the Aryshiyama and Chosera. I'd also definitely want to know what you think of the 10K's. I have found that the Chosera 10K although OK as a finisher, provided a little coarser shave than I like.

Thanks!

What were the shipping costs, James 'cause I was looking at the 13k as a finisher or maybe the 1, 6, 13k set?
Geoff

I have tried both Soft and Hard Sigma Power and did not like them for razors, they tend to release particles in the slurry and chip the edge.
I know Maksim tried the select II and did not like it for the same reason. So far nothing beats Chosera for me, the feedback/speed/dishing combination is just perfect for razors.

It depends what shipping option you choose. I think normal air mail was around $40? I went with something called EMS, which was a lot more than that, but I figured it was probably the best way to ensure they arrive quickly and intact.

You can do a "dummy run" on the website (I am assuming you are looking at toolsfromjapan.com) to see what your selected stones will cost to ship, and then bail out before it asks for payment details.

The 13K is not part of the Select II range, but I guess you know that. According to the proprietor, the 13K ceramic is an excellent stone. I'm tempted to try one myself.

James.

When you guys say Sigma soft and hard, are you referring to the Select II and the Ceramic versions?

Yeah, I wondered about the release of particulates and how they might affect the edge, since I have heard they do not break down. However, perhaps with enough time and patience I might tease some results out of these.

James.

Originally Posted by Jimbo

According to the proprietor, the 13K ceramic is an excellent stone. I'm tempted to try one myself.

James.

Yes, James, I just watched the videos on the toolsfromjapan.com site and it looks like it would be a good set if I was just starting out.
I've already got a 1/3k japanese combo, an 8k and a PHIG.
I need a DMT and a finisher.
If I get the 13k I'll jump on my bike and bring it up so you can try it (any excuse to go for a ride up there...lol)
Geoff

Originally Posted by Havachat45

Yes, James, I just watched the videos on the toolsfromjapan.com site and it looks like it would be a good set if I was just starting out.
I've already got a 1/3k japanese combo, an 8k and a PHIG.
I need a DMT and a finisher.
If I get the 13k I'll jump on my bike and bring it up so you can try it (any excuse to go for a ride up there...lol)
Geoff

Deal! I'll supply BBQ, beer, and annoying dogs!

James.

Originally Posted by mainaman

I have tried both Soft and Hard Sigma Power and did not like them for razors, they tend to release particles in the slurry and chip the edge.

I remember when i first met So I was after a Sigma 10k but he talked me out of it for the above reason. I never got to try one as a result but interested to hear how you find them James.

Originally Posted by Jimbo

When you guys say Sigma soft and hard, are you referring to the Select II and the Ceramic versions?

Yeah, I wondered about the release of particulates and how they might affect the edge, since I have heard they do not break down. However, perhaps with enough time and patience I might tease some results out of these.

James.

Jimbo I have the ceramic versions 1k both of them. Maksim has the Select II, and as I said he found it too released particles while honing.
They are supposed to be soft like King stones but a lot more aggressive.
By the way there is a King for Stainless Steel that is supposed to be pretty hard and fast stone, I wonder how that will work on razors...