I need a 1k bevel setter to complete my existing lineup of Naniwa Superstones (3/8k combo, 12k).
I am planning to get the Naniwa Superstone. Any particular reason why I might want to spend more than twice as much on the Chosera?
Printable View
I need a 1k bevel setter to complete my existing lineup of Naniwa Superstones (3/8k combo, 12k).
I am planning to get the Naniwa Superstone. Any particular reason why I might want to spend more than twice as much on the Chosera?
I have not used the Chosera stone yet so i can't compare the two, but i have used the naniwa 1K SS and do like it a lot. I also have the 800 Naniwa SS i use when the blade has a small chip so when i go to the 1K it dosen't take too long. I also have the naniwa 400 and have found for me it really two aggressive for small chips. If you already have the 3/8 and 12K naniwa i would suggest even though i've not used the other stone and going by what the SS stones have done for me go with the 1K naniwa. Now if the H A D takes hold and you decide to start collecting stones the Chosera would nice to collect.
I'll just leave this here:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/hones...per-stone.html
I'm not sure if they still are but the chosera used to be twice as thick as the ss. Also faster. Worth it to me. YMMV.
Buy the Chosera 1k. You won't be sorry.
It's a great performer and unless you go into business, you'll only ever need one.
I also have the Naniwa 1k. I'll take the Chosera all day..... Hi:chapeau
I like both! I follow the Chosera with the Naniwa 1k All the time!
The green hone is FAST! Yet not as fine as I was used-to........
JMO
“Any particular reason why I might want to spend more than twice as much on the Chosera?”
Nope…
If, you are just honing a handful of razors, the Super Stone is just fine. The Chosera is smoother feeling, does not load up as fast and might be just a smidge faster.
But if you are not pro-honing, it is not worth the price difference. They will produce the same bevel and edge, even the lowly King 1k at 20 buck, produces the same 1k edge.
With a good 1k, a 3, 8, 12K super stone progression, you are all set. Invest the savings in razor quality Chrome Oxide and a good strop.
Holler if you need help…
I have to agree with Euclid. I had the SS 1000. Good stone. Nothing wrong with it. I upgraded to the Chosera. No complaints there either. But how often are you setting a bevel? For me, it's rare. Unless I buy a new razor, I'm not setting bevels. Pick your poison.
If your setting the bevel on a razor that has chips or other bad places then a quick cutting stone is a plus. but if it is a new razor that needs the first honing then setting the bevel doesn't take that long. Even if the blade is one of the older ones with a little hone wear it still doesn't take for ever. I have sit beside a friend that hones for the public and watched and he was rather quick with the 1K SS naniwa so really what it boils down to is what do you really want. I kind of enjoy my time with the stones. Just like i enjoy shaving with a straight razor . The thing is it only takes 5-10 minutes to shave but it takes me longer to hone a razor. The time to enjoy.
I'd buy the Chocera.
The Chosera might be a counterfeit :p
I have had my Chosera 1000 for about 5 years and love it, Just today my "Professional 3000" arrived, it is the new version of the Chosera. It is thinner (although thicker than a SS) and lacks all the Japanese writing stamped into it, which I don't like, for some reason I loved the stamping on my 1k, even though its mostly gone now.
As many others have said, if your restoring razors then it comes in handy, if not get the SS, in the end it will be the same thing just slower.
One thing that needs to be noted is that most of the reviews and comparisons on here are between the older series of Naniwa Hones
ie:
It was Chosera vs Super Stone
It is now Professional vs Specialty Stone and there are differences, most of them to the Specialty Stone series, making them a bit better then the older Super Stones..
Just tossing the monkey wrench of truth into the convo
Both work and they work well
Another thing to keep in mind is the "Speed" which experienced honers are saying is Great :) that is because they are experienced honers and speed is a good thing.. Speed to a newer honer is not really a good thing in fact it is usually the exact opposite :(
Just giving you perspective, the good news is that there is no "Bad" choice here, they are both excellent hones :)
I'll add to the fun.
The Naniwa Traditional 1K is also a very good choice. Feel is in between the firmer Professional and the Softer Selective. Results are simply excellent. I love my Chosera's but have been through two of these Traditional's and they are good!!
Now that is interesting. I would not have guessed the cheapest of their 3 lines would get such a positive review.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lynn
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lynn
Lyn,
When you say "Softer Selective," I can't find that stone. Are you referring to "Speciality" stone?
And one more question for Lyn -- the Traditional appears to need soaking in water, unlike the other Naniwas mentioned, if I'm reading the Naniwa website correctly -- am I right on that?Quote:
Originally Posted by Lynn
I am. Sorry for the confusion.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 400E
I don't soak mine. I just wet it a few times until the water quits absorbing into the stone and starts to pool on the surface.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 400E
This is true, all my Chosera and Super Stones are the older stones. I have tried the new Super Stones/Naniwa Sharpening Stone/Specialty Stones, and they feel just a bit harder, but perform much the same.Quote:
Originally Posted by gssixgun
Here is a good link, to the whole line up and the confusing naming conventions. To add to the confusion they sell smaller stones under a different name. Clicking on the stones gives more information on each series.
This quote is from the FAQ
Q. What's the difference between the Naniwa Sharpening Stones and the Naniwa Specialty Sharpening Stones?
A. The make up of the stones is the same. The difference is that the Naniwa Specialty Sharpening Stones are half the thickness of the Naniwa Sharpening Stones.
I do need to replace my old, thin 12k Super Stone and see they now sell a full ¾ in 12k, (Naniwa Sharpening Stone series.)
Really great information -- thanks to all who have taken the time to respond to my honing newbie questions!
And sorry Lynn for shorting you an "N". Always good to get people's names right!
For what it's worth, I am now really tempted to go with the Traditional, based on Lynn's comments. Doesn't hurt that it's cheaper, though not the main reason I'd pick it.
Thanks very much for the offer -- I will definitely be hollering soon once I get a bevel-setter!Quote:
Originally Posted by Euclid440
I think, that the part of straight shaving, we all enjoy, is the experimentation with hones, different razors/steels, maybe naturals. Truth is you could probably have enough hones to get a shave and have change from $150 bucks. So if you are like me and enjoy all the parts that make up this 'hobby'. Then you might feel inclined to own a 1k Chosera, if for nothing else than it's widely regarded as the best. I do, and supplement it with a 2k superstone, etc. A lot of people out there that aren't professionals, didn't and don't hesitate to get themselves a Suehiro GMN 20k, (Nearly $400) because it's the sense of fun, quality, results and the best shave you can come up with. For my part, if it wasn't fun and enjoyment of the process, plus result I'd buy a mach 3. Enjoy.