Thread: Honing using Naniwa 12k only

Is it acceptable to hone your straight razor twice or once a month using Naniwa 12k without using any paste on strop or other stones with lower grit?

I've read on some website that all you need is a high-grit stone to frequently hone your straight razor to keep it sharp for years.

Yup, a 12K will be all you need if you get to an already shave ready edge just as soon as it start to go a little.
Basically it is the same thing many used to do back when straights were the only shaving tool.
They used barber hones, but a 12K Naniwa will certainly do the job splendidly.

This is correct if the blade is sharpened correctly first and with good/ correct stropping and a 12k you should be able to keep the edge keen for years
I would not say as often as you have mentioned to use the hone, as you should only need to use the hone when your blade is getting dull, eg starts tugging etc this can be more often as a starter, as we tend to dull the edge when stropping through poor technique
There are several videos here on refreshing with a 12k Nani, this is also my finisher and works well.

Thanks Birnando and Substance.

After I become more skilled at honing, after a few years, do you recommend buying a Naniwa 5k/8k and doing the Pyramid method before doing a final touch with the Naniwa 12k?

How long have you been using your current razor spacex?
What part of the world are you in?
The naniwa 12k has a very good reputation obviously.

Hi RoyalCake, I'm only a beginner and I've been using my razor for just a week. Recently, I purchased a Naniwa 12k and plan to use that for a few years.

I was just wondering if there will ever be a need to purchase a combo like Naniwa 5k/8k so that it gives a better honing result than simply using the 12k alone.

Not unless you really strop backwards or get a razor that has been dulled out.

Like 10pups said there shouldn't be a reason to need that unless you mess something up (which happens) or you eventually get like the rest of us and start collecting more razors. If you're interested in the honing side of things then at some point it'll be necessary, but if you're just interested in keeping your razor sharp you can stick with the 12k for now...

+1 on the wise suggestions you got above.
You must get to know if your razor has been honed with or without tape on the spine and do the same when refreshing on your naniwa.
Better if you can use the same tape brand and model so you are sure it's the same thickness. Using the naniwa 12k only you must be able to work straight on the edge.

Originally Posted by spacex

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I've read on some website that all you need is a high-grit stone to frequently hone your straight razor to keep it sharp for years.

Be careful what you read. No. Do not frequently hone your straight razor. Only as necessary. Many folks find that proper stropping with a pasted strop negates the need to re-hone your razor. Ever.

Welcome, Enjoy, keep reading watch Lynn Abrams' and Glen-gssixgun's videos. They are quite helpful and solidly based upon experience not "web buzz". And realize that there are many ways to get there.

Also there is a great collection of advice and processes in the library here, and for those that can't find the library-in stickies at the head of every section of forums.