Thread: 12k stone for continuous honing

So I'm considering picking up a 12k water stone to try continuous honing.

i know some of you guys use this method and I like the idea. I've got a blade running on ~2 months of use just about daily. I have stropped diligently but have not used any pastes. Can this blade benefit from refreshing on a 12k (it still shaves fine) or does it need to go through the whole shebang before I can begin this?

im hoping to go pick up the stone at woodcrafters today but I don't want it to be for nothing.

thanks!

Woodcrafters I would assume is the Chinese PHIG as we call it

Continuous honing I am assuming you mean a Maintenance schedule...

I think you have a solid plan, in fact I maintained two razors for 20+ years on one stone you just have to do it

The PHIG's I feel would work just fine if you get the right one by luck they are quite versatile and will do more then what you want, if you get one of the harder versions it will do what you want too...

The good news is yes the Stone should do fine, the not so good news is that you have to learn to make it work for you

Are you talking about a natural stone? (Because there is no legitimate grit rating for nats.) Then it depends upon the stone. Naturals are always slightly different.

If you just want to buy "one stone" and be done, why not get one that is guaranteed to work (and has a genuine consistent grit) like a Nani 12k or a Shapton 16?

If you're trying to "save a buck", well then save some fuel and time too, buy 4 or 5 of those PHIG rocks and keep the one that works best.

(simul post with GS)

Yes it is a natural stone. I have read that the grits can be inconsistent but should I be able to trust it for some basic finishing? For a new guy like me 'good enough' will be acceptable until I start upgrading in various areas.

If it sounds like the range of results will range from terrible to great maybe I will pass altogether until I can justify a stone like the Shapton.

Just a suggestion if you're not able to find the right stone for the money.
Try the Pasted Strop. I'd start( and finish) with a heavier cotton belted material with CrO.

A lot of us think that naturals, with all their natural variability, should be reserved for more experienced honers rather than new guys.

You are right, one can stone/leather only to a good result. Or one can "continuously strop" as Glen's "Experiment" thread makes it clear (a pasted strop used regularly keeps edge forever-or until GS loses interest).

If cheap is your main concern, then maybe you find a barber hone. Just don't put a lot of strokes on it-they are made to cut fast in a professional application. See Glen's videO.

best of luck.

Originally Posted by WadePatton

Just don't put a lot of strokes on it-they are made to cut fast in a professional application.

But, they are perfectly suited for amateurs too!