Thread: Some advice on honing stones - Naniwa Stones

Hi

I'm new to straight razor shaving but have been doing it every day now for the last month. I've already accumulated 14razors, 3 new (2xDovo & 1 TI) and the rest are all vintage Sheffield’s, most of which have been restored to a high standard and shave ready.

Inevitably, my next progression into this growing obsession is honing. I want to invest a few hundred on a decent set. I've already got a Norton 4k/8k but have quickly realised this won't do for me; i will always want better.

This is what I am considering:
Naniwa Chosera 1k
Naniwa Chosera 3K
Naniwa Chosera 5K

Now I was just thinking of getting the Chosera 10K as my finishing stone but after reading several threads it would appear the Naniwa Super Stone 12K is superior for a smoother polish? My question is, is it ok to jump from the Chosera 5k to the 12kSS or should I be thinking of getting the 8k or / and the 10k SS as an intermediate stage?

I have also seen Naniwa Diamond stones that go up to 5K also? These would appear to be more durable but are they suitable for razors or would Chosera be the better route? After finishing on something like the 12k is it best to use a strop with stropping paste or could I go straight to the leather day strop?

I've also heard the Chosera stones shouldn’t be saturated in water and left wet as they are prone to cracking; yet another factor to take into consideration.

Advice or thoughts much appreciated, especially from those with experience of the Naniwa range.

Can you get a shave ready edge with the norton 4k/8k? If not you really need to figure that out first because anything after that whether 12k or 10k is just a waste of time.I do have a Naniwa ss 12k and its a wonderful finisher but you need to go to this stone with a shave ready razor to get all the potential out of it.

A jump from 5k to 12k is doable, I used to go from 5k SS to 10k SS with no problem at all.
I personally did not like the 3k Chosera it releases too much slurry for my taste

Originally Posted by Martin103

Can you get a shave ready edge with the norton 4k/8k? If not you really need to figure that out first because anything after that whether 12k or 10k is just a waste of time.I do have a Naniwa ss 12k and its a wonderful finisher but you need to go to this stone with a shave ready razor to get all the potential out of it.

Hi Martin

The answer to your question is, I don't know. I've yet to try any form of honing. I'm currently working on a ship so have been buying these razors from reputable sellers whilst I'm away. I had only just started straight razor shaving before I came away and havnt as yet tried the Norton stone. I was simply going to sell the Norton stone before even using it and do the bevel setting and sharpening with the Naniwa's. My question is, is it possible to get shave ready with the chosera 5k or do i need the 8k SS as an intermediate step before final finishing on the 12k.

You may think I'm trying to run before I can walk, but I wont just be jumping in the deep end. I will gradually build up my skills and when I'm ready will move on to the higher grade stones. I just want to have them ready there for me for when I'm able to use them.

I will also be getting a flattening stone as I've heard it is vital to have a flat surface prior to honing. Do new stones require to be lapped on the flattening stone? I've heard new Norton's require a whopping 1/8" off prior to use.

I don't think you'll be pleased at all with the edges of a 5K Chosera.
Don't get me wrong, I've been using the Chosera stones as my main hones for a couple years now, and must say I do love the way they work.
But you will be wanting a finer stone to finish your razor.
The 12K SS is a fine finisher, then again, so is the Chosera 10K in my opinion.
( On most days I will go one step further than those though )
Jumping from a 5K Chosera to a 12K SS works, I've done that many times.

Keep the Norton 4/8 k, get the 1k and the 12k and you will be set. The Norton is the recommended workhorse around here because of its reliability and consistency. All of the pros have one and most of us have been through several. Why buy a stone you already have? You will need the 1k to set the bevel, and once you master the 8k side of the norton you will be ready for the 12k. Good luck and have fun!

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

Keep the Norton 4/8 k, get the 1k and the 12k and you will be set. The Norton is the recommended workhorse around here because of its reliability and consistency. All of the pros have one and most of us have been through several. Why buy a stone you already have? You will need the 1k to set the bevel, and once you master the 8k side of the norton you will be ready for the 12k. Good luck and have fun!

+1 exactly what i was going to post!
Read this thread http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...on-2012-a.html

Sounds like it could be a plan but do I really need to take of 1/8 from the Norton on a flattening stone?

( On most days I will go one step further than those though )

Are you talking about the Shapton 16 and 30k's?

All of your stones need to be flat, how much you remove will be determined by how unflat(?) your stone is.