Thread: Going back to the beginning

I've decided to shelve my Guangxi and my Welsh DT as my results with them have been so variable. The new Naniwa Speciality Stones look promising but I'm uncertain as to whether or not I should opt for the 8k or 12k for refreshing an edge, any suggestions?

Originally Posted by TomP30

I've decided to shelve my Guangxi and my Welsh DT as my results with them have been so variable. The new Naniwa Speciality Stones look promising but I'm uncertain as to whether or not I should opt for the 8k or 12k for refreshing an edge, any suggestions?

You can certainly maintain an edge with the 12k SS. it's a very fine grit that's also very aggressive. An 8k Naniwa will also give you a very respectable finish. Plenty of guys shaving off of Norton 8k's and the Naniwa 8k will give you an even finer finish.

If I'm refreshing a razor, first the Nani 12k, then I hold my Escher in my hand, just like a barber hone (which essentially it is), and do another set of laps, strop it up, and perfecto...keeping it simple, and keeping it sharp and mellow.

Stropping in my opinion, can't do enough of it, it's the one thing that really nicely polishes / refines the edge.

I recently aquired a 12 ss and really like it. Very happy with my finished edges. But used 8k Norton for like 10 months and the edges were very shavable hope this helps

Sent from my SCH-R970 using Tapatalk

If you are only buying one, the 12k, it has a lot of range.

If buying a new 8k, the Snow White,( AKA IF-0001) Junpaku. Be careful there are 2 stones, Naniwia calls the 8k Snow White.

It is a bit more money, but a cut above other 8Ks, does not load up like a Super Stone, is fast and will produce a finish close to a 12k super stone.

Worth the money.

Originally Posted by Euclid440

If you are only buying one, the 12k, it has a lot of range.

If buying a new 8k, the Snow White,( AKA IF-0001) Junpaku. Be careful there are 2 stones, Naniwia calls the 8k Snow White.

It is a bit more money, but a cut above other 8Ks, does not load up like a Super Stone, is fast and will produce a finish close to a 12k super stone.

Worth the money.

+1 on the Junpaku. I prefer mine greatly to my Nani 12k.

Much as I love my naturals, It's definitely beneficial to have a good synthetic to fall back on. I don't think you would regret either purchase, but if you're just looking to refresh a blade that was already shave ready the 12K is probably the best place to start. You can always pick up the 8k later if you're finding the 12 doesn't quite have the grunt you're looking for.