Thread: finishing stone options, techniques blah blah

here are my choices:

-16k shapton (thats if i dont have to use the stupid ass "dglp")
-12k naniwa & diamond paste on cotton strop
-yellow coticule

anything you guys reccomend?

I've never used the first two, but I live by the coticule so my vote is quite biased. The synthetics may be a bit more consistent but they are lacking in the beauty that the coticule has.

I have always enjoyed the shaves off the coticule. Plus as far as I know you can't over hone on the coti.

My technique is DMT1.2K, BBW with slurry diluted over time, and then laps on the coticule until I feel the edge is where I want it.
Also the coticules can be used with a slurry to set a bevel, something the synthetics can't do as far as I know.

It's likely several people will recommend each of them and others as well. While I've never used a Shapton or a "stupid ass DGLP," clearly a lot of people like all three options and all three will have their proponents.

The advantages of the coticule are that it is cheaper (at least if you get a smaller sized one), it can be used as more than a finisher, and that it does not need frequent lapping. It does have one potential disadvantage. Unlike the synthetics, each coticule is unique and not all are good finishers. You will need to buy one from someone who can properly assess the particular stone or else you need to buy it with an option to return it if it doesn't work well for you.

I think that any of the hones you mention will do a great job but if you want a smooth sharpness rather than a raspy sharpness, you may find you enjoy chromium oxide is a great finish before you hit the strop.

Do you need anything after the 12k Naniwa?

Some folks like the finish off the 12k Naniwa
or 16k Shapton as is. CrO would take that
to the next level of smoothness, but it isn't
always necessary.

I usually like to go to a natural finisher after
the 16k, a Y/G Escher or Nakayama typically.

- Scott

I typically finish off on my coticule, but I also have a Chinese 12K. For the money, its hard to come up with a reason not to pick one up. ChomeOx is also great and inexpnesive. A good barber hone would also do the trick, and those can ususally be found on the cheap as well (though the small size can be a downside).

thanks all for your response.

i got in contact with max today just to see what he thought.

im going naniwa 12k and calling it a day

(but i am gonna follow lynns advise and use some diamond paste on a linen strop as well)

Originally Posted by OLD_SCHOOL

I use Japanese naturals as my final polishing stone, and the best thing is, you don't need dozens of stones before using them, and you don't need pastes after using them.

Pretty versatile eh.

+1 on this.
i would agree.