Thread: Naniwa 12000 to lap or not?

Just got a naniwa 12k finishin stone from SRP and was wondering if any lapping should be done to the stone. It feels smooth but I was wondering if the stone should be lapped the same as I did to the 4/8 K Norton stones?

Thank you.

AG

Yes, you should lap it. Draw a grid on it, maybe 1" by 1", with a pencil and lap it flat. Once you've lapped out the first set of lines, do one more to verify. You're lapping this one for flatness, not for smoothness.

It's a great stone, enjoy it!


I see this is your first post. Welcome!

Fantastic! Thank you so much for your responce and Thank you for welcoming me to the forum.
Great place. I can't believe I didn't shave with a straigh razor before.

You're welcome. How long have you shaved with a straight? What sort of razor(s) and strop(s) are you using?

Lap it before every use and dry it off after using. I find my Naniwa super stones need lapping quite frequently to keep them flat. For some reason the higher grit stones seem worse in this regard, but YMMV.

Indeed, lap before each razor. I do not use a grid, but 20 strokes on a worn DMT, flip around and 20 more is adequate. Also, don't soak it. Naniwa's will swell and warp, unlike Nortons. The honing media is suspended in the Naniwa. The media will be poking up after a razor is finished on it, neccessitating flattening each use.
I flatten mine under running water and pool water on top 15 minutes or so before use. You might want to do the grid before first use, though! Great finisher, BTW.

Mine was high in the centre before I lapped it, which seems to be common with these hones. I don't think lapping after EVERY razor is necessary, since all you really need is 10 or so strokes, which isn't enough to wear it down even for a soft stone. Prolonged soaking isn't required, but 5-10 mins will help to "stabilize" the stone.

Algreye, You might want to take a look at Gssixgun's vids on the Nani progression honing. You'll find you lap or at least raise a slurry each time you use your Nani.

By your join date, I'd guess you're new to the shave. If so, you might want to leave the nani alone for a few months until getting the shave down. If you need a hand w/ edges, pm me - just the cost of the envelope & postage to get it back to you. 'Have 3 inbound now for edge from members that have had my edges before.

I'm called pinklather 'cause against the advice of the experienced guys, I tried to learn to hone while I learned to shave. It didn't go well.

If you're just seeking to maintain an existing edge - this is more doable. The vids might be all it takes to convey the maintenance needed. Best of luck, whichever way you go.

Nice advice and a very generous offer, pinklather! You are a good man!

I concur that the Nani 12K needs a light lapping but only once in awhile and when first new. They make a wonderfully smooth edge. You're going to love it once you master it.