Thread: Hone Gap

So just to be clear.

A BBW will work and so will an 8k. This is what I am hearing.

I like the flexibility of the BBW, whereas the 8k is static.

Decisions decisions.

Originally Posted by singlewedge

I like the flexibility of the BBW, whereas the 8k is static.

I don't grasp what you mean with that.
?

Bart.

Butting in ...... I think he means that the 8k is just an 8k and not as versatile as a blue. I think you meant that for versatility a coticule yellow/blue would be in order. I don't think a blue by itself is any more versatile ?

Ah, I see.
Well a Coticule is versatile, because it has two modes, that both have a very different field of interest. Slurry for "shaping" the edge. Water for adding a smooth shave comfort to an already sharp edge.

So far, I have only found good use for the Blue with slurry: "refining" an already developed bevel to a good level of keenness. Shaving off the Blue is certainly possible. But I wouldn't call it versatile.
It's fairly inexpensive and has a very nice feel while honing.

Bart.

I tried to think on this. I find it difficult to stick a natural in as an intermediate with your present set.

The only 5k, off the top of my head is the Shap pro, is that what you're using? The 12 kinda mixes things up.

12 is just a just a little over the usual step. A good cutting suita could pick up at 5, (from 8 would be better.) , but would pass up the 12 on the final -mor'n likely.

A coticule could do the same i do believe.

I have the Col Conk Arkansas, which s somewhere between 3 & 5k.

Originally Posted by singlewedge

I have the Col Conk Arkansas, which s somewhere between 3 & 5k.

Another reason to consider the Norton 4'/8. Arkansas stones are better suited to knives and such then to straight razors. Not that people don't use them for straights but I believe the general consensus is that they are not the ideal choice. This is second hand info as I have never attempted to hone a razor with an Arkansas. I have used them on knives years ago and the Wa****a (pronounced WAh shee tah) and Soft Arkansas did very well on them.

hmm. well it could be a case that enough steel has been run over that ark to glaze it; thus the loss of your edgeyness.

depends on the 1000 i suppose, but lapping those two together may help refresh the ark

then again it could be that it merely slipped your mind' how much work it was to get where you were.

It sounds to me as though you want a Belgium Blue and if that is the case, my suggestion would be to buy one and go from there.

I have never liked this stone and have found it most inconsistent in the results it produces with or without slurry. On the other hand, some people like them. I need to rely on stones that produce reliable and consistent results without having to experiment each time I use them with a different kind of razor. This is why I initially recommended to new people to use the Norton 4K/8K as the learning curve was shorter with it, it produced consistent results and was a decent value.

As far as polishing stones, a Coticule is fine, although I have better results with my Eschers and my Nakayama stones as well as both the Shapton 16K and Naniwa Super 12K. Again, some people really like the Coticules and I would agree with Jimmy on picking one up.

I think that either a legit 3K, 4K or 5K followed by an 8K is a good progression and should work.

Have fun,

Lynn