Thread: Y/G Escher is as fine as...

I understand how frustrating that can be. I've been there before. I think it was Mueller that said you shouldn't go from a Coticule to an Escher, but a lot of us do anyway.

Out of all the finishers, and I've tried most, Escher is the only one that's consistent, and I'm sure that's why they were labeled and sold as they were. Your Y/G I'm sure is fine. It may take some getting used to, like any other hone. As we like to say, YMMV. You are correct, An Escher is not a Jnat. Escher's provide buttery smooth edges in most cases. It's my finisher of choice, and I have a bunch, like the Legendary Nakayama Maruka Asagi, Maruichi Asagi's, Ozuku's, Shoubudani, Kiita, Suita, etc...and just too many too list.

I'm using Shapton GS stones now, I finish with just a few laps on the 16k, then go to an Escher Y/G to smooth out the edge, to take some of the bite out.

What your describing with the Escher, is how I feel about the Jnats. (Running and Ducking for cover) I think they're way way overated imo. Too many lapps needed, too many stones needed, pre polishers, and Nagura, etc....Then you have to watch out for all the counterfit stones. I feel sorry for new guys just starting out, and trying to wade through all that to get a good Jnat. It's just too much, then the cost...Some of these stones cost $1800.00, for a rock, and you can probably get the same edge off a diamond treated strop for about $50.00. Most people wouldn't know the difference in the two especially if you mellow it out with some crox.

All you need is a good set of synthetics, Norton, Naniwa, Chosera, Shapton or even Spyderco, and then some crox to smooth out the blade in lieu of an Escher.

At the very least, You'll have no trouble selling that 9x2 Escher for what you paid if you decide you don't like it.