Thread: 1000-3000 grit and a 12,000

hi i am new to straight razor shaving, and i wanted to know if i set the bevel on a 1000, then a 3000 then jump to a 12,000 for polishing, is that too big of a jump? even if i spend a good while polishing the edge on the 12000

Typically it will be said yes that is to big a jump. But there are things you can do to make it work.

First do you already own these stones?

And if you do what stones are they?

It is a relatively big jump, but it can work. If I were you, I would choose something in the 4-6k range instead of the 3k. You might also want to consider the 4-8k Norton combo. Many people like it here. http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...on-2012-a.html What brand are the stones you intend to buy? Just curiosity, all of them work good.

This is a wide jump, but it can work.

In general terms, a 3,000 stone will take three times as many strokes to reach the same bevel as a 1,000 grit stone.

Set the bevel on the 1,000 then I would recommend 30-40 laps on the 3,000 followed by 120- 160 laps on the 12,000 followed by 80-200 laps on leather. That would be shave ready for me.

Good luck

Originally Posted by deejaykamoe

hi i am new to straight razor shaving, and i wanted to know if i set the bevel on a 1000, then a 3000 then jump to a 12,000 for polishing, is that too big of a jump? even if i spend a good while polishing the edge on the 12000

Welcome to SRP.
The problem with what you're asking is that no one hones razors this way AFAIK so most answers you get will be theoretical at best.
Adding something in the 5k-8k range before the 12 would make life easier.
Is there a reason you wish to attempt this approach ?

i bought these stones a while ago, theyre no name natural japanese waterstones from ebay, theyre to sharpen my knives, and i got a gold dollar razor to practice honing etc before i try it out on my good razor. so the reason why i use these is because its what i have already. otherwise i would buy a 4000-8000 which i think i just might do.
how many passes should i do to set the bevel on the 1000? i tried last night on all the stones and its sharp but definitely not razor sharp.

Originally Posted by onimaru55

Welcome to SRP.
The problem with what you're asking is that no one hones razors this way AFAIK so most answers you get will be theoretical at best.
Adding something in the 5k-8k range before the 12 would make life easier.
Is there a reason you wish to attempt this approach ?

There is no standard number of passes, in any stone or progression. Experience is the best way to know. After that, you can buy a loupe, and check if the bevel line is straight. There is also thumb pad test. Take a look at this link Sharpness tests explained - Straight Razor Place Wiki

You tried to hone the razor yesterday or your knives? The razor sharp feeling on knives usually means thin bevel, and the edge will not last for long.
For razors, the above link will help.

i tried my razor

it couldnt pass the hanging hair test

Any pictures of you r stones or links to where you bought them?