Thread: been honing with Norton in hand

Originally Posted by Hirlau

I use the table & stone holders. I want the most consistency that I can get. I want to be able to rule out certain components one at a time when I'm having problems with a blade.

I watch all the Heat games, got my Norris Cole # 30 jersey in the mail last week, went to the court a day later wearing it, still missed the rim 8 out of 10 times, just can't figure it out.

I can definitely understand where your coming from with regards to ruling out any variables in the honing process while dealing with problems with a blade.

I haven't tried holding the stone in hand while honing a blade with issues yet, only to refresh, or re-set the bevel on a dull, but otherwise perfect new razor. For me I feel like I get far more consistent feedback on the hone when holding it, it's like my 2 arms find a natural balance and I'm able to keep the blade perfectly flat....It even worked for me while using Lynn's circle method on my Norton 1k...I'll have to play around with the stone on the table when when I work on my old Gold Dollar that I'm (trying) to restore haha

+1 to hirlau. Every stone that fits has it own stone holder. I use 2 hands sometimes to rock and roll these off razors. But its a very personal thing. I do like some small jnats I have holding in my hand. Very personal choice here so you got to be comfortable however that is for you.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I've never had the superstones in the base. I imagine they would be pretty light. The plastic base probably weighs next to nothing and the stone, being 5mm thick, is half the thickness of a Norton. Maybe give Don a call over at SRD and he could probably tell you definitely. The 12k superstone is one of the favored finishers, for the feel of the edge on skin ...... IME.

Do you definitely feel like the Naniwa 12k gives that exceptional edge after the 8k?

That's what most guys here seem to say, I just ordered one from SRD yesterday, I should have it in the mail tonight when I get home from work so I'm looking forward to giving my already shave-ready Dovo Bismarck a few laps on my Norton 8k, then some finishing strokes on the new 12k, then a few laps probably with my 0.5 micron CrOx spray on my modular paddle strop, followed by leather and see how that goes

Unfortunately I just shaved last night ; ) figures hah

I have been finishing on 1micron lapping film after the Norton 8k recently with good results but I can't wait to try the Naniwa 12k....btw do you typically need to lap the Naniwa much when it's brand new? Or just pencil in a grid and smooth it out on the 325 DMT?

I think, IME, the advantage in holding the stone in hand, is that we get tactile feedback through each hand. Feeling it through the razor on the one hand and through the stone on the other. I guess I'm stating the obvious for those of us who've done it, but for those who haven't ....... that is the payoff IMHO.

The only stones that I hold are stones for use on my knives & axes. I don't have the need to be precise with them.

Chefknivestogo has the superstones without the base. I think it would be very awkward to hold with the base.

Michael

Pauls finest in Canada sells naniwa and chosera stones without the plastic bases.

I have two small Jnats that I find easier to hold in hand when honing than to place flat on a surface. One nice byproduct of hand holding a stone is that it keeps you from using too much pressure as you hone. But it also seems harder to manage on those lower grit stones. Whatever you find is comfortable is best.

Up through 4k I use a holder, 8k 50/50 whether I use the holder or my hand, finishing stones I always hold them. I like the tactile response on the finishing stones and I can keep a lighter touch holding them.

Originally Posted by Boarder277

Do you definitely feel like the Naniwa 12k gives that exceptional edge after the 8k?

I'm looking forward to giving my already shave-ready Dovo Bismarck a few laps on my Norton 8k, then some finishing strokes on the new 12k...

...btw do you typically need to lap the Naniwa much when it's brand new? Or just pencil in a grid and smooth it out on the 325 DMT?

Just a thought but consider skipping the CrOx for a bit, give yourself a chance to see what you are getting and can get out of the 12K.

If you throw in the CrOx to start you won't really know what the stone is doing.

The only thing I have found with the Naniwa stones is they will swell a bit after being wet for a while,

My thought is if you are using it as a splash and go lap it under running water no soak time.

If you are going to do marathon sessions soak it for 2-3 min and then lap.

After keep with the same method when honing.