Thread: South African Hones....

Let me ask this: For those of you who have the Zulu Grey, does it give a smoother edge/shave over the Naniwa SS 12k finishing stone? Say polishing on the 12k then move to the Zulu, does this give you a better shave that is worth the money for the Zulu?

I'm looking into buying one in the 8x3 size if there is much improvement from the SS 12k.

I have the Naniwa 12K also and I can tell you this: since I saw the Zulu many months ago the shave I am getting off the Naniwa 12K is not as good as it was before I saw the Zulu.

Originally Posted by Gotdzel

Let me ask this: For those of you who have the Zulu Grey, does it give a smoother edge/shave over the Naniwa SS 12k finishing stone? Say polishing on the 12k then move to the Zulu, does this give you a better shave that is worth the money for the Zulu?

I'm looking into buying one in the 8x3 size if there is much improvement from the SS 12k.

Originally Posted by Gotdzel

Let me ask this: For those of you who have the Zulu Grey, does it give a smoother edge/shave over the Naniwa SS 12k finishing stone? Say polishing on the 12k then move to the Zulu, does this give you a better shave that is worth the money for the Zulu?

I'm looking into buying one in the 8x3 size if there is much improvement from the SS 12k.

That's always the question I ask about a natural hone. I'll be able to answer it once my ZG comes, or about a week after, I guess. Hone, shave, rehone, shave...

Of course the ZGs are naturals and might not all be the same. Nobody's experience with one will be universal.

Originally Posted by roughkype

I'll be able to answer it once my ZG comes, or about a week after, I guess. Hone, shave, rehone, shave...

I'm looking forward to your review! I really am leaning towards one, I guess I'm just looking for a push.

Originally Posted by Gotdzel

I'm looking forward to your review! I really am leaning towards one, I guess I'm just looking for a push.

Well, you have 46 pages of push, if that is not enough what is then?

Originally Posted by Gotdzel

Let me ask this: For those of you who have the Zulu Grey, does it give a smoother edge/shave over the Naniwa SS 12k finishing stone? Say polishing on the 12k then move to the Zulu, does this give you a better shave that is worth the money for the Zulu?

I'm looking into buying one in the 8x3 size if there is much improvement from the SS 12k.

I sold my naniwa 12k as I found the edge to be a tad too harsh. That is just me though, lots & lots of people love them! The edges from the Zulu are much smoother IMHO but again, that's just my take on things....YMMV as they say....

Originally Posted by jpcwon

I sold my naniwa 12k as I found the edge to be a tad too harsh. That is just me though, lots & lots of people love them! The edges from the Zulu are much smoother IMHO but again, that's just my take on things....YMMV as they say....

im almost thinking the same about the 12k... i havent used it since the coticules and zulu came into my life ...lol

I just pulled the trigger on the 8x3 Zulu. Wife is gonna love that...

Oh well!

What are the various lubricants folks have tried and with what results? I've been trying under running water and occasionally with dish soap, but can't say much about my results yet. Plan to try lather too, just to see how it works.

I also may try some nagura on mine to see if it can behave a bit like a Jnat. Would love to know if anyone's had success with it.

Originally Posted by Tierdaen

What are the various lubricants folks have tried and with what results? I've been trying under running water and occasionally with dish soap, but can't say much about my results yet. Plan to try lather too, just to see how it works.

I also may try some nagura on mine to see if it can behave a bit like a Jnat. Would love to know if anyone's had success with it.

I tried

Water only: use it all the time to touch up an already sharp blade, also to take the edge of a 16k and give it the Zulu finish. Sharp and smooth, with a presence of the edge.

Glycerin or honing Smith solution: I think you can get a little sharper edge, but not sure, however, as of late that's what I have been using ( honing smith solution).

Slury stone to water: method I have used the most with good results. Taken an edge from the 8k straight to the Zulu and I was pleased with the sharpness and smoothness. Took same blade to the 16k Shapton glass and to the Zulu (water only) and it did get a little sharper, but not enough to say wow!

Turingian slury on the Zulu: my favorite edge on the Zulu! The only way I can describe it is a Zulu edge (sharp and smooth), with a little of the buttery feel of the turi. With this I don't dilute to water only. I dilute to thin looking slury (see stone through slury).

Water with .25 CBN spray: start with a light slury and keep at it (didn't dilute). Edge was smoother than with the water only and sharp. I liked it, but found you get same results (as far as feel and sharpness) if after the Zulu you strop on pasted strop. I do this with edges that don't quite hit on the Zulu (some Sheffield).

Looking forward to read your results with the nagura! Double O