Irritation off of 8k Norton? Higher grit needed??

[StraightRazorDave]

Hey all,

So I'm getting proficient at honing using my 4k/8k norton. I do have plans on getting more stone, as well as higher grit ones, but as of now the 8000 is the highest I have. I have gotten a couple of old rusty ebay razors polished up and honed, and have shaved with them too. But they're not the smoothest shaves. The cheeks are fine, but the neck gets a little irritated. I know I have stupidly sensitive skin, but I can't help but wonder how much different it would be if I got that bevel polished up on something finer than a 8000..... Any thoughts? Thank you!

Dave

p.s. When I say I plan on getting more stones, I'm talking about the Shapton GlassStones

[AusTexShaver]

Hey all,

So I'm getting proficient at honing using my 4k/8k norton. I do have plans on getting more stone, as well as higher grit ones, but as of now the 8000 is the highest I have. I have gotten a couple of old rusty ebay razors polished up and honed, and have shaved with them too. But they're not the smoothest shaves. The cheeks are fine, but the neck gets a little irritated. I know I have stupidly sensitive skin, but I can't help but wonder how much different it would be if I got that bevel polished up on something finer than a 8000..... Any thoughts? Thank you!

Dave

p.s. When I say I plan on getting more stones, I'm talking about the Shapton GlassStones

Ok Dave...if you are looking for someones blessing to buy a Shapton 16K consider yourself blessed!

Seriously though, without getting too deep into the mechanics there is sharp and there is smooth. If you have sensitive skin I would be aiming more for the smooth and if it's scary sharp too that's a bonus. To do that it's more common to use a natural with a little slurry at first to get the a bevel shape that's conducive to smoothness (while still being sharp) OR you can use the Shapton high grit stones and paste.

My hide is pretty tough but I find I need to tone down the edge off a 16K with about 20 laps on a Chromium Oxide pasted paddle otherwise it feels like I'm cutting the whiskers off BELOW skin level...and taking a considerable amount of skin off with them in the process.

[StraightRazorDave]

Yes, I do need blessing to get the 16000 Shapton!!! In fact, it's my #1 item on my Christmas Wishlist, I just hope someone gets it for me.....

[AusTexShaver]

Yes, I do need blessing to get the 16000 Shapton!!! In fact, it's my #1 item on my Christmas Wishlist, I just hope someone gets it for me.....

Well if Santa doesn't bring you one just remember...it's ALWAYS easier to get forgiveness than permission.

[rossco]

I'd be interested to hear some more expert opinions on this myself. Currently I use a 4k/8k combo then finish off with a .5 micron film and then a bit of stopping on newspaper. There is no way I can shell out for another expensive hone prior to x-mas. Is this likely to produce the sort of smoothness needed or could I do better (on a budget)?

[clrobert60]

A relatively inexpensive option is a Chinese 12K, they can be had for $20. I'm very satisfied with mine.