Thread: How much difference does a finishing stone make on the shave?

Ok so, so far I have been using just the Norton 4k/8k stone then stropping; shaving. I have just purchased a finishing stone, slurry stone, and lap stone for the Norton. I am just wondering how much difference the finishing stone will make on the shaving experience. Also, I am watching some shaving video's by Lynn and Geo and their face looks bbs after two passes. It takes me three plus touch up. Would the finishing stone help with that?

Thanks all!

What finishing stone did you get? Experience is in the eye of the beholder. I have shaved off of the 8k and have finished off of the 12k's. I can still get a close shave off of either. Let us know how it goes for you. I know guys that have to use a 16k stone if that even exists. In my honest opinion it is what works for you.

Which finishing stone did you buy ? A higher grit finisher can give a smoother and maybe sharper edge and feel to the shave. Shave technique plays a large part in the results of the shave in addition to the quality of the edge. Personally I do two passes with minor touchups or my sensitive skin will get some burn.

Also everyone is not playing with the same deck of cards as far as skin and whiskers go. My chin and some parts of my neck are tough as cut nails while I could put milk on my cheeks and let my cat lick the whiskers off along with the milk.

I got a 12k stone. I have been getting a close shave off the eight but got curious about using a finishing stone because that's what Lynn does and he seems to be the go to on honing. I am just curious if a finishing stone makes that much of a difference.

The guys above pretty much said it all. This is one of those situations that YMMV was made for.

In percentage points I always like to say a Finisher improves the shave on a good day about 1%


Bevel set = 90%
Sharpening and Polishing = 9 %
Finishing = 1%

And yet, this is what we spend the Big $$$$ on and have all the "Discussions" about


We are a crazy bunch


oh wait YMMV of course LOL

Since you have a 12k stone, I assume it is a naniwa superstone , give it a try. If you're getting a DFS off the 8k norton, through your own honing, you have the skills to take advantage of the 12k.

Just a brief comment.....
I see that you registered here just a short time ago. If that is when you started with a str8 then I would suggest focusing on beard prep and shaving technique. They will make a huge difference.
They did for me.

Just my 2¢