Thread: 12,000K stone?

With the Chinese 12k, you can cut down on the number of strokes needed by forming a slurry first. The slurry makes it perform like any other stone, probably 30 to 40 laps does it on mine with my technique (this depends on the razor though).

I didn't know there was a 12000K stone. 8k was enough for mine, although I use a .5 micron strop as well

He meant to say 12k or 12,000 grit.

I have a coticule and a natural japanese hone.

Grit sizes have never really helped me understand what is going on. You need to magnify the razor edge and look at how shiny the polish is on that edge. The shinier the edge the better polisher the hone. A good quality x10 loupe used properly will do the job to magnify the edge.

When I look at the results of my hones.

The coticule cuts best with a slurry and polishes best with a little washing up liquid.

The japanese natural stone cuts best, dry and polishes best with a slurry. If you don't know this simple rule you will never enjoy a japanese hone fully if at all.

Also the Japanese hone cuts more slowly than a coticule, but to be honest it is really a polishing hone.

The japanese hone gives the smoother sharpesr edge. I wouldn't say "best edge" because I agree with previous post that for many razors the coticule is perfect I have found that harder steeled blades benefit from the japanese hone.

The progression for me is as follows:

Coticule with slurry.............................say 6000 grit
Natural Japanese hone dry..................say 8000 grit
Coticule with soap...............................say 10000 grit
Natural Japanese hone with slurry.......say 12000 grit
Pasted Linen strop.............................. greater than 12000 grit
Cow hide strop
Horse hide strop

Originally Posted by randydance062449

If you try the chinese 12K from Woodcraft be sure to refresh the surface before each honing session and perform no less than 50 laps. I always use 100 laps.

I'm interested in this bit as well. What do you mean with "refresh", and what's the reason for doing it?

If you are willing to spend $75 you might consider the 16K Shapton Glass at $100. It is one of the finest finishers out there. You can transcend from any 8K stone with no problems.

bj