Thread: JNAT Honing nirvana for the noob

Oh yes don't forget to wipe the synthetic stones with your fingers often to break up the swarf that builds. It will help one feel when the blade is "done" on each stone. I usually wipe the stones once after my circles and once if the blade is sticking too much so I can detect the smoothening of the blade.


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Originally Posted by prodigy

There's probably more than one reason why. The main one that comes to my mind is most final finishing jnats just don't cut fast enough to remove 1k stria, in a reasonable amount of time. So progressing through synthetics gets it to shave ready, then you Polish it up to get the benefit of the jnat. My routine lately has been chosera 1k, Ohira suita, maruka kiita.

I've found that it depends a lot on certain nagura types and how they react with the different metals , concerning the speed of 1k Stria removal.. Of course the hone too..

What's all this hht 4'755 business.
One thing I never do is the HHT..

Originally Posted by GeorgeX

Awesome details...But for a noob like me looking at making a purchase of stones I am now totally confused...seems like I have more research to do to understand what was just spoken. I did like the detailed process of what you learned but got lost with weight and HHT and the numbers after it. I think that makes me pre-noob


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That's funny, I felt the same way as I was reading all the posts. Glad to know I'm not the only "Pre-noob" around.

Thank you for all the detailed information. I'm decidedly noob, or perhaps even pre noob, when it comes to honing so I really appreciate this thread and all the posts here.

Appreciate you all taking the time to share your experience and educate.

I use a synthetic progression usually through 8k then Mikawa koma nagura and tomo nagura (a slurry stone similar to the home). I don't really have to use the 8k, the koma has a lot of grit in it and can erase 5k marks easily. The reason I use synths through either 5k or 8k is to keep the bevels very flat for as long as possible yet still end up with the natural edge for shaving.

Cheers, Steve

Originally Posted by JOB15

I've found that it depends a lot on certain nagura types and how they react with the different metals , concerning the speed of 1k Stria removal.. Of course the hone too..

What's all this hht 4'755 business.
One thing I never do is the HHT..

I dialed the HHT in to for my face just trying to be as descriptive as possible for new folks.

As stated above I too like a flat bevel and precise easy honing and end with a natural edge. It's the last stone that maters anyways how the edge feels on the face for me. It just seems to save time for me to use synthetics right now until I get better with full nagura progression. I like the idea of a flat predictable bevel until the art of the jnat begins and perhaps mistakes come into play.


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So, I like the OP’s technique, but yes the HHT references does confuse the issue.

For new guys, HHT is only relevant to the user, it is just too subjective to quantify.

If the OP continues to hone and experiment, a year from now his edges will be infinitely better, so will they be, HHT15.75 edges?

For new guys, forget HHT, learn on a quality, synthetic, mundanely repeatable, performance stone progression, (1, 3/4, 8, 12k).

Practice setting a bevel fully and perfecting test, that will tell you when you are there, then polish out the previous stria with each succeeding stone, strop and shave. As you shave improves, tweak your technique until, you get a “repeatable” smooth shaving edge. Remember the goal, is the shave.

Once you “Master” that, experiment with a natural progression or finisher, or learn on a natural progression, it will make your learning process easier, by limiting the number of variables. Set yourself up for success.

The fun part of this hobby is the experimenting and a smooth quality shave. There is no, right or wrong way, but some are much easier. You can make it as complicated or easy as you wish.

To the OP, rock on…

Originally Posted by Euclid440

So, I like the OP’s technique, but yes the HHT references does confuse the issue.

For new guys, HHT is only relevant to the user, it is just too subjective to quantify.

If the OP continues to hone and experiment, a year from now his edges will be infinitely better, so will they be, HHT15.75 edges?

For new guys, forget HHT, learn on a quality, synthetic, mundanely repeatable, performance stone progression, (1, 3/4, 8, 12k).

Practice setting a bevel fully and perfecting test, that will tell you when you are there, then polish out the previous stria with each succeeding stone, strop and shave. As you shave improves, tweak your technique until, you get a “repeatable” smooth shaving edge. Remember the goal, is the shave.

Once you “Master” that, experiment with a natural progression or finisher, or learn on a natural progression, it will make your learning process easier, by limiting the number of variables. Set yourself up for success.

The fun part of this hobby is the experimenting and a smooth quality shave. There is no, right or wrong way, but some are much easier. You can make it as complicated or easy as you wish.

To the OP, rock on…

Awesome thank you. I agree. Focus on the shaving. I tried to give some indicator of how I try to be objective about the progress but any hair tests need trial and error so that they can be calibrated. I think it's most important to go by the feel of the stone than focusing on HHT or numbers of laps. Of course the shave test is the end all.

Bevel setting is hard for most beginners. One cannot leave that first stone until it cuts arm or leg hair with one swipe against the grain with no hairs left with zero tugging. I use the same place on my arm all the time. In the beginning I would shine a flash light straight down on the cutting edge until the shine disappeared. But one still has to take it further. I even relap my chosera mid setting the bevel on tougher edges to refresh the stone. No matter how long it takes I will not leave this stone until that blade feels like it's in glass and it shaves my arm hair so well it seems like I could just shave with it right there .

So when you are a noob and you think that bevel is set keep going for good measure . The rest of the progression will take like 15-20 minutes if the bevel is set properly. Unless you drop the blade or nick the blade. Refreshing the edge when it starts to dull one may never need the 1k again.

I do not test much now. But I do like seeing that last HHT for the reward of a possible great edge.

I always refresh by dropping to the 8 or 12k and then hitting the jnat. Takes 10 minutes. Below 8 and I think one risks screwing up the edge because one is sharpening again and not just polishing.

I think we hit most of the concerns here I wish this thread was around 6 months ago!


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Originally Posted by TJB

I dialed the HHT in to for my face just trying to be as descriptive as possible for new folks.

As stated above I too like a flat bevel and precise easy honing and end with a natural edge. It's the last stone that maters anyways how the edge feels on the face for me. It just seems to save time for me to use synthetics right now until I get better with full nagura progression. I like the idea of a flat predictable bevel until the art of the jnat begins and perhaps mistakes come into play.


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I was referring to the cutting speed of the hone . It is effected by different metals with different Naguras...

There is a big difference between synthetic honing and a jnat finish compared to full jnat progression ..
All the best..

Originally Posted by JOB15

I was referring to the cutting speed of the hone . It is effected by different metals with different Naguras...

There is a big difference between synthetic honing and a jnat finish compared to full jnat progression ..
All the best..

Interesting could you elaborate please? I'm curious to what you mean. If a full nagura progression gives even a better edge than this I'd be interested in your technique so I can chase the dragon again. I honestly don't know how much more I can ask from my blades. But I'd be willing to try if I'm missing out on something. I have a full set with koma I was thinking trying again anyhow.


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