Thread: Slurries

I just recently began using slurries on my 1k chorosa with the Nagura stone that came with it. I like the results and have a couple of questions. Should I use the Nagura to create slurry on stones later in the progression? Till now I have just been using my DMT to create slurry up to my 5k and then stop. Also how far do you go with the slurry? Do you go all the way up to the finisher? I have been stopping on my 8k (which is my last stone before my finisher the Nani 12k)

Generally, man made stones are not used with slurry.
Slurry is used when the gap between the finer and the coarser stone is big enough that the stone without slurry will take time to refine your edge. It speeds up the process, and it leaves a coarser edge compared to that from the stone with plain water. So, there are few exceptions on naturals, but the basic rule is, if you use slurry, then, before moving to the next stone in your progression, clear the slurry and give your razor a few passes without slurry, or dilute the slurry until clear water, slowly.
You don't have to use slurry on every stone. It's just a tool to speed up things, that leaves a coarser edge. The thicker the slurry, the more coarse-fast it becomes.
My usual progression is bevel setter 1k, an 6k man made used with thin slurry, and a finisher, usually without slurry, depending from stone to stone.
For finishers, you can shave test the edges with or without slurry and compare them.
There is no trick. If you know the basics, test them and find out what works for you.

Edit; also, don't use the same nagura for your 1k and 5k. Every nagura has a grit too. A nagura suitable for a 1k stone will not be suitable for a 5k. And, particles from your 1k will transfer on your 5k no matter how careful you are.

that brown brick that comes with the chosera is in the 600 grit range it is meant to clean the surface of the stone not to make slurry.
It will release its own particles in the 1k slurry and you will not have the same results.
No slurry past 1k is really necessary

Most people who own a Chosera thru that brown brick out myself included.

Originally Posted by Tarkus

Most people who own a Chosera thru that brown brick out myself included.

True, I've never used mine. I clean my Chosera with a DMT.

I use that brick all the time when Im bevel setting.
I use a thick brown slurry to help cut even faster, then as the bevel progresses I dilute down to just water
and bring the edge as far as I can until it's popping hair off of my arm. Then move on.

I never use that brown brick above my 1k chorsera.

Read here

http://straightrazorpalace.com/advan...iwa-users.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/advan...rt-slurry.html

That is just a bit of info on slurries, what you have to understand is that they are not really needed, but then again they are a Kick in the butt to mess with.. I do believe that you can after leaning how to use them, get some extra smoothness out of the razors but that is JMHO..

Personally I use Nagura and "Slurry" stones very little, I love my well worn DMT 325 for raising a slurry, it doesn't add errant grit to the mix..
You need to experiment with your hones and style and see where it leads, there is magic in the mud, even in Synthetic mud

Personally I do use the slurry raised when I clean off the stones with the dmt. At my 8k naniwa ss and 8k jyunpaku I use a piece of standard grade coticule bout I got from Lynn and use that slurry. That has given me the most comfotrable edges thus far. Could be in my head, but my face sure has been appreciative, and since its easily repeatable I have stuck with it. Another member sent me one to hone, and he agreed as well, compared to one I did without using that process. I say play with it and judge for yourself.

Slurry is also very useful for synthetic stones. I prefer synthetic King slurry stone (Matsunaga nagura stone) up to 6k stones. I'm using small DMT (1200) for finer stones. Naniwa slurry stone is too coarse for me. Especially on Naniwa SS stones I work with slurry every time and dilute into plain water. It speed up polishing effect. Maybe someone designed these stones to use with slurry. :-)

So experiment with slurry. Sometimes it will be bad, sometimes very good. It's depend on type of stone.

I slurry everything. Natural, syth. I slurry everything. I normally use a DMT or Atoma to raise slurry, but have used that funny little brick - mostly to remove what feels like a glazed surface on the Chos. 1k