What hone(s), paste(s), or spray(s) do I need? - Straight Razor Place Wiki
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You don't really need the 12k.... until you know how to use all the other stones to their maximum & then you'll probably want it but not necessarily need it.. :)
If you are restoring you will need the 220/1k. 1k alone can be a slow process in worst case scenarios.
lol thanks for the advice
I agree that you don't really need a 12k hone. If nothing else, the difference between a 8k and a 12k is really small. 1.5 micron vs 1.1 micron or something like that, no big deal, nothing special. But, if you know the C12k, and have some experience with it, for a new or recently honed razor from a professional that has lost its edge, it can make a difference. With a norton 8k followed by CrOx, you will have a very pleasant shave. With a nice fine C12k on naniwa or shapton and the list goes on, you don't need CrOx or diamond. After the stone, strop it with a plain leather strop or simply a belt (I use the later) and you will also have a nice pleasant shave. In the end, it's personal preference. If you can, try them both, and make your choice. And, happy honing.
I agree that you should stop at the 8k stone until you're getting consistently good shaving edges from it. In my own experience, the Naniwa 12k is a very nice next hone. Unlike the C12ks, you'll know what you're getting, and it's a pretty fast hone as well. For me, the improvement beyond the 8k was worth the price.
Most of us use a DMT 325-grit plate for flattening. We know that it arrives flat, and it stays flat. A flattening stone will itself need flattening, but a diamond plate is forever.
Best wishes and happy honing.