Quote Originally Posted by zib View Post
I guess it depends on the natural? I think a lot of the Jnat user's may disagree with you, but you're correct in the sense that you can most definetly get an awesome edge and shave off both of those stones. Improve is a broad term in this hobby. I think the perfect edge should feel like a velvet squegee on your skin. I usually do a few laps on the Escher after the Shapton 16k, You should try it. Lot's of guys find the Shapton 16k edge to be harsh to shave off, so they go to crox or Escher for smoothing. Everyone is different, and had different skint textures, hone's differently, etc...You get the point.

As far as Escher goes, I think it'a a matter of preference. What I like to, you may not, and vice versa. That's what cool about this hobby, lot's of choices. I've had the opportunity to try many stones. I'm always surprised by how much you can get out of a single stone.
Take Glen and Lynn's "one stone honing" for instance.

Right now, I'm testing 3 stones from South Africa for MichaelC. One of them is just outstanding. Hands down beats the Escher, and most of the Jnats I've used. Has to be south of 12k. It leaves a very keen edge, and uber smooth. Just a pleasure to shave with. It's my finsiher of choice right now. I've tested it on several blades, and I get the same results. I'll have to post some pics. I haven't even tested the other two yet.

One thing I do not do, is use a microscope. I go by feel. I'm not concerned with scratch patterns, etc...sometimes I use a loupe to check out the bevel, My eyes have some milage on them. I'm getting up there in years. I think Glen posted earlier in this thread about old time Barbers. They probably had a Barber's hone, maybe a Coticule or an Escher. They would just touch up the blade, probably did a few swipes on the stone prior to the shave. Anything more than that, They'd send the blade out to a "Cutler"

I do use a microscope but am thinking of just sharpening and stropping and then shave. Sometimes I think the microscope is giving me way too much info. Thanks for the above...you have given me food for thought


two other things:
One ...can you give me MichaelC's address
Two...does he leave his door unlocked

Stingray