Thread: Suehiro Gokomyu 20K Waterstone

Cheers Gents and thanks for the question.
My progression is similar to all of the above, with the secret being the setting of a good bevel, so your 1k stone is (Next to you best finisher ie. 20k) is the platform for the quality of the final product. I use a Naniwa 1k, a Naniwa 4k, a King 6k, (Don't always use this one) naniwa 8k/Kingstone 8K and a King Icebear clay based 10k stone. I like the smoothness of the Icebear as it is clay based, and an excellent size, (205 x 75 x 25) on a substancial base and comes with a synthetic nagura. If you have the chosera, by all accounts their 1k is a lovely stone, but expensive too, So the main thing I have found that if you have'nt set the bevelon the 1k nothing post that will get you shave readiness, so yes I go from the 10k directly to the Suehiro Gokumyo 20k without any issues. I do depending on the razor, mostly complete the razor, use a pasted Crox linen strop, no more than a dozen strokes, then normal leather. I like hard backed strops, but have no issue with the use of conventional hanging strops, just a personal choice. So to conclude, it's not of vital importance to have an expensive 1k, just awareness that this stone and the setting of your primary edge is mostly 90% of the process, then the use of little pressure as you proceed to your finishing hone. I mentioned in the initial post, that your 1st razor needs to be either shave ready when it arrives, or send it out for professional honing, it's the starting point. At that time, all you will need to keep the razor going is to use a touch up stone (8k) and a strop. Sure those other stones are great, but for your 1st one, take it slow, seek out advice on honing on this forum, and for you guys in the US, the home of honemeisters! you should have no trouble finding a good honer. In Australia, check out onimaru55, who is by all accounts, an exceptional man to get you shave ready. The learning process is long, can be frustrating, but when you get it, it's a terrific feeling. That Chosera 1k is a lovely stone, but my Nani 1k 205 x 66 x 34, no base is easy and moves steel OK for me, but the Chosera is a class bit of kit. As to my method with the 20k, little is better, no more than 10 strokes on a polished bevel, will really be sufficient, I learnt that from Oz (Onimaru55) as it's such a great feeling stone, you want to sit there and give 50 strokes, it's a compelling stone, good luck fellas, but the key is get your 1k right, then it's much more plain sailing.

Regards,
Bobski

Originally Posted by bobski

but the key is get your 1k right, then it's much more plain sailing.

Yup, and if you don't get the bevel right, then you simply are polishing a turd.

You cant polish a turd. You can only smudge it!

I apologize for my ignorance. I defer to your apparent expertise in this area.

Originally Posted by markbignosekelly

You cant polish a turd. You can only smudge it!

Clearly you missed the Myth Busters episode where they did indeed "polish turds."

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&so...d_FTnOdzSa4OWw
I stand corrected. My humblest apologies.

I saw this episode and was unbelievable how shiny a turd ball can be.

Originally Posted by cariocarj01

I saw this episode and was unbelievable how shiny a turd ball can be.

Copralites. They make all kinds of jewelry out of the stuff. it can be very attractive.

As a bloke from down here in Australia, I recall Lynn Abrams, telling of when he ground in a bevel, the 'table shakes', imagine what that would to a turd? lol. Seriously though we can get back to the Suehiro Gokomyu 20k. No matter how much I know this hone should be the last I ever need to own, there is this unfinished honing business....damn you fellas and your jnats...hehehehehe, this HAD....it's a problem. I guess if you dried out a turd, what grit are they fellas?


Cheers in fun,

Bob