Thread: South African Hones....

Merry Chtistmas to all the Zulu fans!

Originally Posted by MichaelC

It keeps filling up, then I make space, then it fills up, then I make space..... sigh.. Making space again now, apologies indeed.

- Mike

That speaks volumes mate!

MichaelC,
After seeing with my own eyes the wrapping you did on the Zulu and after wrapping quite a few gifts this afternoon, Sir i lower my hat to you! Happy Holidays!

I have never used a ZULU stone, however it is a delight to be secure in the fact that a ZULU will be arriving in my mailbox in the next week or so, according to Michael C.

It is my understanding that this particular stone is a recent find and has only been in use for a few years. That tells us there is a possibility that we might not have seen everything there is to see regarding sharpening stones and we may well someday see a stone discovered that will exceed even the ZULU. I should live so long. I'm 68. You young guys may have something to look forward to and I hope you do.

As things stand, I feel fortunate to have lived long enough to be within reach of this well-touted ZULU. Only a few more days before I will be able to post my own honing experience with this magical stone. I would like to thank all the posters up to now for posting their experience and giving the rest of us a good idea of what to expect when our own personal ZULU actually arrives.

They say that the anticipation is half the fun. I am now ready for the other half of the fun.

JERRY
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Originally Posted by leadingedge

Merry Christmas to all the Zulu fans!

According to my sources (Mr. Google) Merry Christmas in Zulu is

"Sinifisela Ukhisimusi Omuhle!"

Originally Posted by mrsell63

I have never used a ZULU stone, however it is a delight to be secure in the fact that a ZULU will be arriving in my mailbox in the next week or so, according to Michael C.

It is my understanding that this particular stone is a recent find and has only been in use for a few years. That tells us there is a possibility that we might not have seen everything there is to see regarding sharpening stones and we may well someday see a stone discovered that will exceed even the ZULU. I should live so long. I'm 68. You young guys may have something to look forward to and I hope you do.

As things stand, I feel fortunate to have lived long enough to be within reach of this well-touted ZULU. Only a few more days before I will be able to post my own honing experience with this magical stone. I would like to thank all the posters up to now for posting their experience and giving the rest of us a good idea of what to expect when our own personal ZULU actually arrives.

They say that the anticipation is half the fun. I am now ready for the other half of the fun.

JERRY
_____

Welcome to a highly select club! You are way ahead of the curve here. Based on this thread I am led to believe that the original prototype stones were only tried back this summer, with the first commercial shipments taking place over the last few months. MichaelC can no doubt confirm a couple of historical dates for posterity.

Can't wait for mine to arrive! My poor Thuringian will be jealous!

My Zulu Grey arrived on Friday. I took one of my favorite razors which was already shave ready, and started a quick&dirty honing: Chinese (mine is somewhere between 1k and 5k judging by the scratch pattern), followed by 20 round trips (each) on Naniwa 5k and 8k. Then change of tape and 150 strokes on the Zulu, water only. I skipped the CrO2 and went straight to the linen/horsehide combo (20/80).



The shave was nothing short of amazing! The Zulu clearly brought the razor up to the next level. Significantly better (i.e. sharper and more gentle) than a Naniwa succession up to 12k + CrO2 paddle strop. BTW, I did not lap the Zulu, but used it just the way it arrived. The surface is very smooth, and water pearls almost like it was waxed. It works, and as long as it does, I ain't gonna fix it!

From my own experience and reading the comments of people who tried the Zulu, I've got the impression that people with lesser honing skills (myself included) benefit more from this hone than our honing elite (AKA Honemeisters). Those professionals get excellent edges with whatever hones they already have. There is very little room for improvement, whereas the improvement for us regular mortals is quite significant, IMHO.

I'm very impressed with my Zulu! To me it's worth every penny. Highly recommended!

I received my ZULY GREY on Friday and was able to lap it on Saturday with a Norton 1k. It was basically flat to begin with so the lapping process was about 5 minutes. Sunday was the day I tried to hone on a DOVO 98 goldwash Buffalo scale. The results were fantastic.

Slurry was made from Dmt fine 600 mesh credit card. Stropped on SRD poly and English Bridle. Great shave. Really great shave.
The Zulu seems to be a stone of some promise. I recommend keeping an eye on this stone.

Jerry
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My 8"x3" arrived today. Has anyone honed a Hart on a Zulu? If so, how?