Thread: Naniwa 12k vs Sigma 13k

Originally Posted by PA23-250

I've heard the 12k Pro makes a great prepolisher before a Jnat, but you say you feel it's slower than the SS? From what I've read, the pros are supposed to be faster than the GS, which in turn are supposed to be faster than the Supers, but I haven't used any Shaptons so I'm curious.

slow is relative IME, 20 laps more is not that bad, indeed I like the 12k Pro better for going to Jnat.

Gentlemen! What is the long term verdict of the 13k Sigma? I would like to buy a finisher to use before my 20k gokumyo and after my 8k Naniwa SS, and was debating between the 12k Nani and the 13k Sigma.

Does the 13k Sigma tend to microchip the edge like the Shaptons do? The shave feels still nice like that, but I just don't like the look of it under the scope. And I am sure that my customers would complain about it too who have a microscope to hone with

I know that the perfect choice would be the 12k Nani for strictly razor use, but I would use this stone for other tasks also, where the softness and easy loading of the Naniwa isn't the best. The Sigma would be faster also, especially for the tougher steels I would like to try.

Have you considered the 15k gokumyo?

I have both the Naniwa 12K and the Sigma 13K. I never use my Sigma anymore. In my opinion it leaves a prickly edge and I don’t like shaving with it.

Originally Posted by RezDog

I have both the Naniwa 12K and the Sigma 13K. I never use my Sigma anymore. In my opinion it leaves a prickly edge and I don’t like shaving with it.

Thank you Rez, there’s not a lot of info out there regarding razors. A couple of times I’ve thought about getting one, but they’re pricey. My only reason to buy one was to satisfy my curiosity.

There are those that like them. I know a guy in Edmonton that loves his. He says damp, not with standing water, check the edge after ten laps and every five after that because it is a very aggressive hone. I find my Naniwa so easy to use and it does not over hone as easily as the sigma. If you are looking for a good finisher the Naniwa 12K is good. As a pre finisher I tend to use the 10K Naniwa and then a natural.

I had a sigma 13k but used it for wood working tools, I imagine it’s a little to aggressive to leave a comfortable edge. Seems like Shaun’s experience with it would be about what I would have expected as far as shaving related uses go.

I wasn't planning to buy a 15k gokumyo. Not many reviews out there, too expensive, and I would have to import it, while the others are locally available. Looks like I will need more than one stone in this range, if I want to cover razors and everything else too. Somehow this happens all the time 😅