One no-frills finishing stone w/ Norton 4k/8k system

Well gents, I first signed up over here because I had honing questions. I've read and read and read, and I can now definitively say that I believe it is going to be better in the long run to get a proper 12k+ finishing stone. Here's the thing, though. I have too many hobbies. I like this one, and I enjoy what I get out of it, but I don't want to spend a lot of dough on stones until I have six in my workshop and still can't make up my mind.

So, I would like to defer to you gentlemen. Again, I use the Norton 4k/8k for most of my work. I have some pasted strops I finish with now, but if I could put the blades on a proper finishing stone, either natural or synthetic, I think my face and I would be a lot happier.

So, if you HAD to pick one, and only one finishing stone (followed by pasted strops is fine; I don't expect a straight to strop razor necessarily. I already have paste strops, and I'm good with them, so that can continue to be a part of the progression), and you wanted to stay in the range of <$200, what would you recommend?

I've got a gut feeling AGAINST cotis, but if you make a very compelling argument, I can be swayed.

Escher or a quality Thuringian

Zulu Gray

I figured that was coming. They're so damned expensive or tiny though.

Be patient, you can find a quality thuringian for around your price. Do a search on this forum on the Zulu Gray, it's a good stone & I don't think I have heard anything bad about one...I'm pleased with mine. Where do you live? If anywhere close, you can try out what I have...which is a handful of finishers.

Honestly if I had to pick one, and wanted that one to be cost effective too, at this point in time.... I feel the Naniwa SS 12k is the best overall bang for the buck, it is actually hard to beat at any price..


That's my story and I am sticking to it :p

Buying off ebay can be iffy, but if you buy off this forum...most will guarantee a stone to be what they say it is...not so on auction sites.

For the $, Glen's dead on...

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Originally Posted by shooter74743

you can try out what I have...which is a handful of finishers.

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I'm in Germany, but that's a damned fine offer otherwise!

You should be able to find a quality thuringian with no problem then:rofl2:

The great thing about learning with synthetics is that you will build a honing foundation on "known" stones, like the Naniwa 12K. If you ask a question about a 12k, then everyone will be giving advice on the "same" stone. Not so with naturals as they can be all over the place, this has been my experience with coticules. Once you have established that honing foundation, you will have the knowledge to delve into the naturals and will have an idea on where to start, what "feel" is all about, and you will be able to estimate the "grit" to know if you have a finisher or pre-polisher in your hands.

Easiest answer ever: Nani 12K

Hey there V- PM me if you'd like to discuss a zulu grey stone. I no longer use mine and have one up. If you're interested.
Regards,
Tony

I actually just pm'd you to discuss.
Lmk.
T

Roger on the Naniwa 12k. You will not regret the choice.

I have had very good results with the finest of the three of these: Welsh Slate Tri Sharpening Stone Set 3 Hones Razor Hone Ideal Gift | eBay

This vendor will sell individual stones if you ask him.

Hey v, I just replied to your pm. Check your inbox.
T

Can we get any love for the belgian coticule? It gives the smoothest shaves I've ever had.

Another vote for the Naniwa 12k based on bang for the buck. Dieter Schmid Fine Tools in Germany here sells the 20mm thick version without the base.

Nothing wrong with coticules per se, I've had some real good ones. Unlike the synthetics they didn't pour them all of the same composition though, so some are better than others, and unless you get a guaranteed right of return, you're playing the lottery IME. If you get the synthetic it is going to be an exact copy of every one they made.

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Originally Posted by ChopperStyle

Can we get any love for the belgian coticule? It gives the smoothest shaves I've ever had.

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I think i am on my 6th coti before i found one that i would call a finisher. This is what many experienced honers have found, not all coti's are finishers...dang few in my experience. They have their place in honing, but not necessarily in finishing.

You guys are correct. Just happen to have gotten lucky in that department and was very happy with the results as compared to the edges I got from synthetics.

All you fine gentlemen will be pleased to hear that the Nani 12K is in the mail and should be coming to an APO box near me sometime this week. I will have to go eat a porterhouse with one of my razors or something to dull one up enough to need honing, but I WILL test it as soon as I can!

Just lap it good to get the skin off and it will treat you and your face well.