Thread: Dusted off the the naniwa 12k

Hey guys been awhile since I posted.. re visited the 12 k naniwa today after trying many different styles of stones over the past years, I forgot how lovely the 12 k is as a finishing stone or a in between stone before I goto a suehiro 20k..My bevel is set by chosera 1k, then chosera 3k then suehiro pro 5 k.then to the 12 k ..the naniwa is easy to use for the new guys out there and you will get nice results

It's true, APC. It's true! Seems you have been absent?

Welcome back! For the last couple of years, I've been using the Naniwa 12k as the
"gateway" stone to every other finisher I've tried. It's a benchmark: consistent and
repeatable.

I also jump from the SS12K to the 20K. Really enjoy the edge this gives. I have been experimenting with chromium oxide and iron oxide on a paddle strop to see how it affects the feel. Not enough shaves/razors to draw a conclusion but it appears that it softens/mellows the razor a bit.

Yes, a bit of that goes great even after a 12k edge at times.
Works wonders when it does!

This is all good to hear. I have a Naniwa SS 12k being delivered today. It's my 1st finisher - I've been using lapping film so far down to 1 micron.

Should be a fun weekend.

Add some dishwashing soap on the very last strokes.. it will make a difference

Originally Posted by Airportcopper

Add some dishwashing soap on the very last strokes.. it will make a difference

I'm actually struggling to get a good lasting edge with my 12k, even with just 10 light strokes. From what i can tell with my loupe i must still be over honing or something. got any tips?

Originally Posted by tintin

I'm actually struggling to get a good lasting edge with my 12k, even with just 10 light strokes. From what i can tell with my loupe i must still be over honing or something. got any tips?

Overhoning is over-blamed for bad edges. Try more strokes, not less. Make sure everything is 100% up to that point- bevel set perfectly and you should be able to shave off the 8k. Then do 20-30 laps with no pressure. Or more.

Don’t be afraid of it. You can’t destroy a good edge with a few extra laps on a 12k. If it was that unforgiving it wouldn’t be a very good stone at all!

That's what has me so stumped (the fact that everyone say how great and easy a stone it it) i've been shaving off the 8k for years and finally broke down and got the 12. It was after getting my Riga- Razor which was finished by the maker with a Naniwa Gouken 12k, But even with that the first shave was amazing and the second not so much. Always seem grabby and not as smooth.Been chasing that edge for months now. Not happy with my edges at all now.