Swaty vs. Chinese 12k

I am interesting in buying a single stone to keep my razors touched-up. My question is how do the Swaty hones differ from Chinese 12k stones and vice-versa?

The Swaty hones oven end on eBay for more than I can get a nice Chinese 12k for, so I am curious to entertain this alternative if the results would be similar/better.

I've also heard discussion that Chinese 12k are not really 12k grit, but that they hone like a 12k because of their relative hardness in comparison. IOW they take about as many laps as a 12k would.

Can anybody provide input on the pros/cons for each?

Thanks,

Ogie

I only have a Swaty (that I don't really use actually....), but the one obvious difference between the Swaty and Chinese 12k would be the cutting speed. For a shave-ready razor that needs a touch-up, only 4-5 passes on the Swaty are needed while the chinese stone is reportedly MUCH slower (i.e. 50-100 passes). I can't speak to the quality of the edge off the Swaty vs. the Chinese stone though.

I'm sure others will jump in with more experience with both stones.

there are lots of barber hones just as good as a Swaty

I just got a Keen Kutter hone and was very happy with the way it feels.

any of the hones a similar color will preform in a similar fashion

GW -

Can you point me in the direction of one? Seems like every time I put in a bid on the Bay for a Swaty, I get trumped (and yes, even with a sniper).

Dave, if you don't use that Swaty, I'll take it off your hands. You name the price :).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gratewhitehuntr

there are lots of barber hones just as good as a Swaty

I just got a Keen Kutter hone and was very happy with the way it feels.

any of the hones a similar color will preform in a similar fashion

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O,

I'm by no means a honemeister, not even an aspiring one so take this for what it's worth. My primary goal was to have a stone to touch up my already professionally, i.e. honemeister honed razors. The guidance and info I was able to collect pointed me towards a Swaty or a similar type barbers hone as it requires 3-5 passes vs. the C12k that I've seen folks say generally requires quite a bit more, i.e. 50-100 laps. The price I paid for my Swaty on ebay is similar to what the C12k's go for a my local Woodcraft store. For me, it was the solution that allowed me to keep my razors going in between honing sessions which meant them leaving me until I become proficient in the art of honing.

Again, this is the perspective from someone who is NOT a honemeister.

Enjoy

Joe

I am also trying to get a Swaty on ebay but I always get out bid at the last minute! Frustrating!!! I would rather buy one from a SRP member as well that may not need it.