Thread: 1k is a "slow cutter"?

Originally Posted by Gunner777

I just switched from a Norton 1K to the Naniwa 1K. It just arrived today and I have set the bevel on a few razors with it. I have to say I'm pleased with the Naniwa. It feels better than the Norton but I don't know if feel is all that critical on a 1K.

Did it cut any faster or slower than the Norton?

Faster by a bit. Enough to be noticeable. Sometimes I like to use the circular movement to get steel off faster and in that respect it was noticeable for certain. Nothing wrong with the Norton at all for those that enjoy them and I know several here that swear by them and have used them for years.

Originally Posted by Razorburne

I just assumed I would go from 1k to 4k (Norton), unless you have another idea. What would be the difference between the two methods?

It doesn't make much difference but if yer going with one brand I would stay with that brand....

I agree with Glenn on this one. I wouldn't mix and match hones. I'd try some if you know anyone who might be close enough for you to give them a try then stay with that brand all the way through the 1k,4000/8000 etc.
I was fortunate enough to see a Naniwa in action prior to buying so I sold my Nortons now I'm switching over to the Naniwas.
One caveat to mixing hones. No matter which when you get to a final finishing hone I use a Escher and a BBW/Coticule Natural depending on the personality of the razor.

Maybe this will give you a better idea. I just took a dull razor and made 12 passes on the Naniwa 1K and the bevel was set and cutting arm hair. I consider that pretty fast!

Originally Posted by gssixgun

It doesn't make much difference but if yer going with one brand I would stay with that brand....

Can you explain the reasoning behind this?

In many areas, I'm a big fan of keeping with one brand for a whole job. i.e. if you build a computer with an nvidia nforce chipeset, you'll probably get a more stable system using and nvidia video card, etc.

However, I don't really understand why that would make a difference in honing.

I'm not saying you're wrong; I'm just saying I don't understand.

I'll let Glen answer, but I am assuming that different companies may have different methods for rating grit size, even if those differences are only slight. If this is the case, a 1k Norton and 1k Naniwa may not be exactly the same in grit size when compared to one another (eventhough both are called "1k"). Sticking with one company throughout as much of your honing progression as possible may help with the consistency of your edge, and ensure that you are in fact progressing at the steps you intended to (1k, 4k, 8k, etc.).

God how to answer that ???? Razorburne did a good job above BTW

Honestly, it doesn't really make a huge difference....

I noticed that it did make a (small) difference with the Shaptons they are more of a system then other brands...
The 16k as a finisher is fine with any other stones that I have used, it is pretty social...

I think it might make a difference in smoothness in the final result, is it a huge difference? heck no, but we are talking in microns here

This also could be a product of my OCD here guys, so check your own findings too...
I think you will find that staying with as complete a system as possible through the process yields a smoother edge in the end...

I DO NOT think this effects sharpness at all, just how smooth it feels...

So much fun going on here.

Shapton 1K and Naniwa 1K are pretty close other than to me, the Naniwa is a little quicker cutter and softer feeling. The Norton 1K to me is a more abrasive and a little faster cutter( I would never call this stone a slow cutter). The DMT in the beginning is probably the most abrasive, but after a few razors, becomes close to the rest.

I can't explain it any other way, but to me there is a consistency when honing with stones from the same family, so I will usually stay with the same family of stones from 1K-Polisher. I will experiment in between though only because I know the different razors and stones so well that I may throw a particular stone at a razor just from experience.

For repairs and chips, I will usually work with a 220K. For frowns, I will normally go to a belt or plate for repair vs. breadknifing.

As we discuss these types of questions, there really is not that much difference in the results of the stones like Shapton, Norton and Naniwa. The Naniwa Super seems to me to be made for straights because they cut fast, feel soft and are very consistent. Other than that the biggest differences I can see are personal preference at that given time. You have personal preference of someone honing 5 razor a week or less, 25 razors a week or less or to the outrageous like my normal week.

Gotta love this sport.....................

Have fun,

Lynn

Originally Posted by Razorburne

I'll let Glen answer, but I am assuming that different companies may have different methods for rating grit size, even if those differences are only slight. If this is the case, a 1k Norton and 1k Naniwa may not be exactly the same in grit size when compared to one another (eventhough both are called "1k"). Sticking with one company throughout as much of your honing progression as possible may help with the consistency of your edge, and ensure that you are in fact progressing at the steps you intended to (1k, 4k, 8k, etc.).

Great answer!
Grit sizes are actually quite standardized, although there is some "play" in the ranges of the largest and smallest size in any given category. I have some stuff in print I'll find and post later.

For the most part, it's pretty consistent across the synthetic stone industry. The real difference between most stones is their binder and the quality and density of the abrasive material. #1,000 grit doesn't mean that there are 1000 little pieces of abrasive in a defined space, and some stones use 1K diamonds while other use 1K silicon carbide. That's where price and performance vary between companies.

This would be very interesting as one of the Japanese Manufacturers was trying to explain to me that there really is not much meaning there once you get to and over 10K.

Lynn

Originally Posted by jendeindustries

Great answer!
Grit sizes are actually quite standardized, although there is some "play" in the ranges of the largest and smallest size in any given category. I have some stuff in print I'll find and post later.

For the most part, it's pretty consistent across the synthetic stone industry. The real difference between most stones is their binder and the quality and density of the abrasive material. #1,000 grit doesn't mean that there are 1000 little pieces of abrasive in a defined space, and some stones use 1K diamonds while other use 1K silicon carbide. That's where price and performance vary between companies.