Thread: New naniwa stones, using them

So I just ordered a 5k, 8k, and 12k naniwa stone. What is a typical honing method with them? I like the write up for the pyramid method for the nortons and am looking for something similar for the naniwa stones. I know the basics of honing and caring for the stones but am not sure how fast these things will cut compared to the norton stones and don't want to order do it.

I assume you're talking about the Superstone line. While you could do pyramids with those stones, they do seem to cut faster than the Nortons so you will likely be able to reduce the number of cycles. I have occasionally played with the pyramids but just can't bring myself to stick with them and I'm not sure that they will be as helpful with the Superstones. You might want to try to do a straight progression first and see how that goes.

Actually the same pyramid progression works really well. Remember that less is better when it comes to the amount of strokes. They really do cut well. What that really means is that if you start your pyramid at 7 strokes, you may want to start at 5 instead and see what happens. Experiment and see. Another method is to hone on the 5K in X strokes until it shaves the hair from your forearm. Once you're there, 10 strokes on the 8K and 10 strokes on the 12K should do it followed by 10 strokes on either a .5 diamond something or chromium oxide.

Have fun,

Lynn

Thanks for the replies... I am excited to move into honing myself for sure. They should be here on friday so I will let you know how it goes.

Oh I have a question now... Will charging the canvas side of a dovo strop do the trick so I don't have to buy another strop immediately? I way overpaid for the thing I have($75 and I see the same one for $30 on websites >.<) I think my shaving budget might be gone for the month with the stone purchase.

Be sure and come over with those hones once you get them!
I also want to try them, I have lots of razors you can practice on!

If I currently have a Lynn Abrams honed razor with only one shave out of it...and plan on just keeping that one razor...could I get by with just the 12000 super stone and some .5 diamond spray or CrO...or is it still nice when the blade is dull to do a quick pyramid on the 5k and 8k then the 12k then CrO?

Basically I am saying I am not looking to get ebays or thrift shop razors and restore, set bevels...

Originally Posted by erictski

If I currently have a Lynn Abrams honed razor with only one shave out of it...and plan on just keeping that one razor...could I get by with just the 12000 super stone and some .5 diamond spray or CrO...or is it still nice when the blade is dull to do a quick pyramid on the 5k and 8k then the 12k then CrO?

Basically I am saying I am not looking to get ebays or thrift shop razors and restore, set bevels...

If you want to keep your life simple, just get a coticule. Anything more is unnecessary. IMO the honemeisters feel that they have to create the sharpest, smoothest edge humanly possible, not because it's necessary for a great shave but because they need to defend themselves against new users who have poor prep, poor stropping and poor technique.

Originally Posted by erictski

If I currently have a Lynn Abrams honed razor with only one shave out of it...and plan on just keeping that one razor...could I get by with just the 12000 super stone and some .5 diamond spray or CrO...or is it still nice when the blade is dull to do a quick pyramid on the 5k and 8k then the 12k then CrO?

Basically I am saying I am not looking to get ebays or thrift shop razors and restore, set bevels...

This is a great question... sort of what I was talking about...

Eric has qualified his use and goals we all know what he wants to accomplish....

So we can confidently answer his question with a "yes" the 12k would work just fine or perhaps the 10k followed by a .50 Cr pasted strop and he should be set...

Others could explain their thoughts about barber's hones and Coticules but everyone knows what he needs, and wants, to accomplish....