Thread: Chinese Natural Waterstone 12K grit

I placed and order for this stone and it arrived today. It sitting at my doorstep right now.

I currently have a Norton 4k/8K combo, and plan to use the Chinese Waterstone as my finishing stone.

Any advice on honing with this stone would be appreciated

Thanks

i use a chinesse 12k and i like it quite alot. think it puts a very nice finishing edge on the blades. i don't own a coticule so i can't compare it for you.

it cuts very slowly. so that means plan to do alot of laps. 40-60. also make sure that you have established and developed that bevel on the 4/8 before moving to the 12k.

the results are very nice and you will enjoy it. it cuts slow, so do more strokes.

also i have found that some of my blades feel much better with a 12k finish on them compared to diamond pastes 1.0/0.5. then again some blades really take nicely to the paste. each blade is unique.

~J

ps. Lap it.. and also all the edges need to be rouned as they are very angular and some even have small chips here or there.

I also have a Chinese 12K ( as well as a King 1000/6000 ) and will welcome any comments on how to use the Chinese stone. Can anyone make a comparison between the Chinese 12K and the Belgian yellow coticule???

So I go home in full anticipation of getting a brand new stone to add to my honing routine open up the box and what do I see...

A small crack right thru the middle of the stone end to end. and the crack extends from one edge of the stone to the other edge thru the stone.

I was expecting to lap the stone but not a crack thru the middle of the stone.....no way am I putting my str8 on this one.

I got it from woodcraft.com

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=4920

sending them an email right now to get me an exchange.

Wow, that sucks about the cracked stone. Woodcraft will stand behind it. They're very good about that. Anyway, I don't have a coticule yet, but my Chinese Waterstone puts a nicer shaving edge on my half dozen razors than my chromium oxide leather bench hone. Don't know why, but the shave's a lot smoother. I do 25 laps then turn the stone around and do 25 more. This way you won't get a stone that wears along one side. Good advice for your Norton, too. Sorry, you gotta wait, but it will be worth it!

Don't sell woodcraft short 'til you give them a chance. You probably did business with them via internet and some clerk just grabbed an unopened/uninspected box off the shelf. I deal with them at their brick'n'mortar store in Dallas and have never met a finer bunch of helpful gentlemen in a store anywhere. I got my 12k from them, but, was able to open/inspect before the purchase. If they don't do you right, please let us all know. I suspect you will get a new flawless stone posthaste.

I too bought a 12k Chinese at Woodcraft (brick and mortar) and I have absolutely no doubt they will make things right for you. Aside from that, I truly love my 12k. It puts a beautiful keen edge on a razor and the sound of that steel running the length of that hone is music to one's ears not to mention the feel. You'll find yourself wanting to hone 50 or more laps just because it just feels and sounds just oh so right!

Now, I wonder how a Coticule feels and sounds by comparison...

Enjoy!

The 12k is a really good hone and a great value for the money.
I typically use 100 laps at a minimum on this hone. Initially lapping this hone is important and it works just like most stones in that it works better if it is refreshed (lapped lightly) before each honing session with a 1000 grit. It will put a very fine edge on your razors.

Just my two cents,

I just wanted to update you guys on Woodcraft.

I emailed them about the problem and they have promptly shipped me another stone, I did ask them check it this time so hopefully everything will be good.

So far I am satisfied with their response and handling of the issue.

Woodcraft is a top-notch business.
When you get your hone, you will have to lap it flat. When I was at Woodcraft I picked up a granite lapping stone. They are presently on sale for 19 bucks instead of 29. A good deal!

Also, its a good idea to round off the edges of the stone too just to keep from nicking your razor.