Thread: Two New Stones... and some luck

After a few unlucky breaks here and there, I knew that some luck was more than due. I took a gamble and purchased two new stone, a natural Aoto and a Chinese Natural, and man oh man did I get lucky. The aoto starts cutting like a 1k and finishes a bit better than my 5k. Since luck was on the table, I pushed it a bit and took it from the aoto to the Chinese Stone and lightning struck twice. It was hair popping sharp after the first stone and that CS cut faster than what folks here have described (granted, they both soaked for hours before I started). It felt like a 10k for the first part and moved on to feel a little like the GS 16k at the end. Again, I pushed my luck and just jumped over to my Vintage 231 Hess Strop and I was off to a great shave. Man, I may even have to start playing the lotto with luck like this.

Congratulations! You going to post some pics?

Well, since you've twisted my arm....

I'll take better pictures tomorrow when I get some better lighting.

Where'd you get your Aoto, and can you post a bit more about how it cuts? I'm thinking about one and would love to hear more.

Am I understanding you right that the Aoto cuts like a 1k, but gives a finish like a 5k?

This is one of the stones I'm going to pick up, but love to know more

Also, how hard/soft is it? Wonder how often it will need lapping

Nice stones, but they look in need of some lapping.

Congrats on your results!

I tried to use my Chinese 12k not soaked and did not get good results at all, for whatever reason I thought that nat stones do not need soaking

Originally Posted by mainaman

I tried to use my Chinese 12k not soaked and did not get good results at all, for whatever reason I thought that nat stones do not need soaking

I'm pretty sure it doesn't matter if you soak it or not. The stone is not porous, and members who have cut them up reported that water does not penetrate the stone. I've never soaked mine, and I've gotten great edges off it.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

I'm pretty sure it doesn't matter if you soak it or not. The stone is not porous, and members who have cut them up reported that water does not penetrate the stone. I've never soaked mine, and I've gotten great edges off it.

I see.
I ran my razor on it after 10k Super Stone it the razor got duller...
I am getting a 16k Shapton, and eventually a Japanese Natural