Are there stones that are higher grit than 12K?

I finish on a Naniwa 12K but im curious as to what would be the next grit level available. The 12K suits me fine but I would love to know, what is beyond that ?

16K Shapton, 30K Shapton, and there must be more.

As far as synthetics, there are the Shapton 16k and 30k. There are also some naturals that fall into this area. The cheapest option would be pastes and sprays though.

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Originally Posted by ace

16K Shapton, 30K Shapton, and there must be more.

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Thank you sir!

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Originally Posted by Theseus

As far as synthetics, there are the Shapton 16k and 30k. There are also some naturals that fall into this area. The cheapest option would be pastes and sprays though.

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what naturals would i be looking for?

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Originally Posted by Theseus

As far as synthetics, there are the Shapton 16k and 30k. There are also some naturals that fall into this area. The cheapest option would be pastes and sprays though.

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what naturals would i be looking for?

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Originally Posted by Omega1975

what naturals would i be looking for?

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It's really hard to answer with any specifics as naturals very quite a bit, even within stone type. Some PHIG's can be higher than 12k as can some thuringens. There are also J-nats which I am by no means qualified to give any advice on.

Naturals don't have grit ratings, though the finish off a natural can be said to be similar to "synthetic hone X, which has a grit rating of Y." Many will also say "natural stone Z is like a Q grit hone" without comparing to a specific, known synthetic. How you personally take statements such as that is up to you.

Two of the more popular high grit natural choices are Thuringians (specifically from the Escher brand), and Japanese natural finishing stones. To get a good Japanese stone, you need to buy from someone you trust, because they are all different and there can be huge variations.

For Japanese naturals, you need to strike up lengthy conversations with

Alex Gilmore

Maksim Enevoldsen

So Yamashita

They can help you with your decision. And don't buy any stone unless you have been assured that you can return it if it is not suitable to you.

Other members may direct you to different sellers which is all the better for you. Jnats are salty and you need to make an informed decision. Good hunting.

Jerry

+1 on So Yamashita