Thread: Love My NSS 12k

Hmmmmmm..... more good advice!

Good choice in stones. I was surprised as well when I took mine from the 8k to the 12k. I couldn't believe the difference.

I have and love the Naniwa 12k.
I also have the Naniwa 1k thick model and a Naniwa 5k. I thought I would fill in the blanks with a 3k an 8k or a 10k. However I now find that they cut so fast and efficiently that the 1-5-12 is really all I want.
I also have the Norton 4/8 but find that I very rarely want to use it. The Norton requires a soak before use but the biggest complaint that I have is that it takes quite awhile to dry and if you box it up before it is dry it might get mold spots on it.
Also the Naniwas are faster and I never really liked the feel/feedback of the 4000 side of the Norton.
The 8000 side of the Norton is smooth as silk.
With any of these hones I like to put a couple of drops of Dawn dishwashing detergent on after I let water sit on it for a minute of two.
It doesn't load up as fast and cleaning off the surface is much easier.
For the final few strokes I have even used a little more Dawn to get a thicker solution so the blade rides just a bit higher and touches the surface ever so gently.
Anyway, I would guess that anyone who spends a little time getting to know the 12k Naniwa will come away well pleased with its performance.

Originally Posted by roughkype

Nice to hear. When I got my N12k I had the same reaction. Wonderful hone. It redefined the relationships I have with my natural finishers--now I ask whether the natural improves the Naniwa edge. The ones that do are special ones indeed.

Happy honing to you!

What he said! Not all my naturals perform this well.

When I first started out on this wonderful journey of learning the Art of shaving with a straight razor, I have to give thanks to Eric (HNSB) for taking my under his wing and offering advice and selling me some very reasonably priced vintage blades that gave a really nice shave, and I liked how his edges felt.

Money was and still is scarce so I just went with the Norton 4/8K, I already had the King 800 and King 1200 water stones on hand. When I was able to add the Naniwa 12k, I was in shaving heaven! My edges felt like Eric’s and I still like the feel that the Nani 12k gives.

In fact when I had Glen make the custom scales for my son's Friodur, I asked that he finish honing on the Naniwa 12K and no pasted strop so I could compare my edge to his.

Norton 8K edges are nice, however Naniwa 12K edges are fantastic!

I'm w/ Cudarunner. The other part not mentioned much is the bang for the buck. Even a successful edge on a C12/Phig isn't close to this good. I can't think of another rock for this price that does near as well. I'm sure some find more joy elsewhere, but this stone has made ALOT of guys really happy, is reliable as a brick, is a fast cutter, and doesn't cost much. Other than that - no redeeming value.
For those that prefer other rocks: no disrespect held or intended. The edge that puts the smile on your face is the only one to use.
Noobs - Cudarunner has used the norton 4/8 and Nani 12 for some time. His edges are excellent. I also owe him no small debt of gratitude for being so insistent that I try the N12. It remains a workhorse stone for me.

Originally Posted by pinklather

Noobs - Cudarunner has used the norton 4/8 and Nani 12 for some time. His edges are excellent. I also owe him no small debt of gratitude for being so insistent that I try the N12. It remains a workhorse stone for me.

Hehehehe! I'm so glade that you liked what unexpectedly showed up in the mail!! I just wish that I'd never fessed up to sending the Naniwa 12K to you unasked! But Hey! What are friends for???

By the way I brag about your edges all the time!