Thread: Lapping the GY20k

I think it is absolutely amazing that the GOKUMYO 20k has proven to be next to foolproof when it comes to finishing razor edges.

We all have read that finishing on an Escher is the cat's nuts but only if you know the secret to using the Escher. Similar claims have been put forth about the Thuringian "if you know the secret" . And this also applies to Jnats depending who you talk to.

But lately, it seems that a nine yearold girl with basic honing skills could set you up with a decent shave from the GY20k because it is that simple to use.

Am I wrong or what? As relates to honing razors, this stone is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Am I wrong or what?

Well, it is a very good hone.
Very consistent, and with few quirks like friable grits, warping and glazing.

That said, there is no magic in it.
It will only deliver if the edge you bring to it is already finely polished.
Furthermore it will require the lightest of touches to really max out, and as we all know, that takes some time to get right

But yeah, I cannot think of a better finisher, and I have tried many.
Some will match it, but not with the ease and consistency that this one has.
IMHO

My experience has been that pencil-created grids take forever to remove because the stone is rather hard. I generally lose patience with the DMT and use 180 grit sandpaper and move up from there after the grid disappears. I usually stop at 400 grit.

Its size makes it more effective in emergency self-defense situations too, always a plus.

Originally Posted by mrsell63

... But lately, it seems that a nine yearold girl with basic honing skills could set you up with a decent shave from the GY20k because it is that simple to use.

Am I wrong or what? As relates to honing razors, this stone is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Am I wrong or what? ...

Well Jerry, I'm not saying you are wrong, but that 9 year old girl would have to be capable of:

dealing with minor blade defects if any existed
be able to deal with smiling blades
be able to deal with frowns
set a bevel by 1k grit
refine the bevel on a series of other grits, without;
micro-chipping
over-honing
forming a burr/fin
Then I suppose she could go onto the GY20k

I suppose that all I am saying is that you have to nail the basics first. Just getting the GY20k isn't magic, as Birnando said. If you were crap at honing before getting the hone, then I guess you are still going to be crap at honing after getting it. The only thing to have changed will be the thickness of your wallet!

Regards,
Neil