Originally Posted by
pinklather
Gents, 'Most grateful for your kind help. 'Apologies - I got waylaid yest & couldn't see or respond to your posts. I sure appreciate it. So far, 7 blades. Gotta be shave-ready before getting there - YUP. I tried a blade that had 6 shaves on it, and the results suffered. Tried 3 on slurry - okay, but not better than with just water. 'Tried 2 on just water - not the exact same feel as the asagi, but MUCH less hassle, and really a pleasing shave. This morning, took a Genco Fluid Steel that had 5 shaves on it. 'Gave 5 strokes on a Swaty with a 6th stroke in stropping direction. Then, 30 careful strokes on clear water, and had a wonderful shave. I can certainly understand why guys love this stone. 'Certainly not a low-dollar rock, but to my thinking - still a tremendous bang for the buck. I don't know if anyone has tried finishing a heavy sheffield on one of these, but in the next day or so I'll be giving it a go. So far, the hardest thing is to lap it. Other than that - not thirsty, not prone to chipping, not fussy, full size, good feedback, really good shaves. Smoothness is only slightly less than the asagi - comparable to my thuri. Way smoother than the Kiita edges I've tried. Gents, thank you again. I'd have a lot more $$$$ and hair left if I'd found this finisher first.