Originally Posted by
jgrunst
thanks for this reply, a few clarifying questions:
if i never plan on restoring a razor, and will only need to maintain razors that have already been shave ready, i dont need a 1000 grit stone, is that correct?
yes, correct for the most part
also, why dont i need a 12k stone right away? wouldnt a 12k give the razor the sharpest/best edge possible? no. the sharpness comes from the lower grits that a 3-4 can take care of. If you can't get a good shave off a 8K stone, you need more work. Once you get the 3/8 or 4/8k mastered, yes add the 12K. A 12K only adds smoothness to a shave as you are polishing it, not sharpening it.
If i did decided to go with the Naniwa Set of 5000/8000/12000 right away, would that be enough to hone a razor? or is the 5000 starting out too high of a grit.I still recommend a 3/8 Naniwa or 4/8 Norton for your first stone, they would be all you need...but of course there are the wants. IF you were my student to learn honing you would get a Norton 4/8K and a dmt8c...that's it.
Last question, i promise, if i wanted to lap the stones with 400 grit sand paper, how would i do that?pick up a 12x12 marble or granite tile at a place like home depot. Spray water on it, and lay the full sheet of sandpaper on it. The water will form a cohesive bond between the paper and tile & it won't slide while you are doing figure 8's
Thanks alot!
Also i live in chicago, looks like you are texas, little to far to come check out your stones :)