Thread: 8k not fine enough?

Until HAD kicked in, I only ever shaved off the 8k. Even now only about 10% of my razors have a higher grit edge. I guess personal experience and preference plays a role in this as in everything.

James.

An 8k finish will do the job, but I'm one shaver that certainly prefers a super sharp shaving edge that a 12k waterstone and/or 0.5µ Chromium Oxide and 0.25µ Diamond paste can provide.

X

I'd prefer a 0.5 chrome oxide edge if only it lasted, for me, as long as a honed edge. I just cant get a pasted edge to last very long. Operator error maybe. I like the edge from an 8k hone ok, but will use a barber hone whenever it's available (probably 9k or 10k equivalent).

You have received a bunch of good advice here. There is one option that has not been mentioned... Use a 6000 grit stone as a finishing stone.

In the past it was posted that the guys in Germany used a 6K stone, supposedly because they did not have access to a finer grit, and received very good shaves. It has also been mentioned here that some people with really tough, dense beards prefer a coarser finish on the edge.

The description of your beard making trash of other edges would lead me to suggest that you try a 6K finish on your razor if the other options do not work out. I would use a 6K and then 20 passes on some 0.5 chrome oxide followed by, just before shaving, 30-50 laps on a plain leather hanging strop.


Just my two cents,

Your beard may be tough but sounds like your skin would benefit from the most refined edge you could achieve. I am of the belief this kind of edge is also more durable.
It's all a bit subjective but if cost is a factor, a Chinese 12K stone and some CrO paste on a strop may get you close to ideal. Some guys use cigar ash as a final polish. Of course strop as a final step.
Have fun & experiment with the different options that have been offered.
It's all about what works for you.

PS Get that beard well prepped pre shaving too.

Wow! Thanks everybody, i certainly have options to weigh. I was gone a few days and delighted to find all these replies.
I'm already sold on straight shaving- my skin feels better and i actually get cut less than with a DE, if at all. I look forward to getting my shaving, stropping and honing refined to where they work best.