I was having issues (see patience) w/ my Chinese 12k recently due to the fact that 1.) it seemed to take forever, and 2.) the feedback was minimal. I know that for many experienced folks the feedback and feel come with time but as an inexperienced honer I need every advantage and piece of advice I can get. In reading thru the wiki and threads along with watching Lynn's video, the idea of a slurry stone w/the C12k gave me an idea. I purchased a C12k from Zib on the classifieds and employed that on the C12k followed by a session on an Escher that was loaned to me by a friend and member here. The results both during the honing and the shave following were much better than before. I have managed to cut my C12k time in what seems to be half along with much better feedback, again this might be my imagination but it certainly felt that way. I realize that the previous setup I had probably had something to do with the shave as this is the first time I've used the escher in conjunction with the C12k slurry stone but it seems the slurry and the escher may have helped me get to a level that I was not previously at. The true test will be once I get one ready to send to Gugi who has been great in providing feedback to me on my honing and what I might do to take it to the next level. While I am not striving to achieve "honemeister" status, I do believe that everyone should be able to maintain their razors to their liking, with the understanding that periodic visits to the likes of Lynn, Max, Glen, Dan, Ron, John, Ken, etc...are necessary until you have a few more razors than I under your belt.
Thanks for reading my ramblings.
Joe
