Thread: The people's hone

Ok, so I bought one of these things a while ago. Every time I use it, it feels like the edge becomes dulled; as if the keen-ness (if you will) is lost. Maybe I got a dud hone, I dont know. At first, I mistook this loss of keenness for smoothness (until I shaved lol). Now that I own a few coticules at this point in time, I can compare the edges between the stones. I do a comparison visually with magnification and finally the tactile comparison (a shave). Ok, so my comparison doesn't contain fancy-dan NIST-type documented equipment or electron microscopes ... but the rubber hits the road in my lab, so to speak. Also, I know I am comparing apples and oranges on some levels here. I simply just compare the bevels and edges.

Anyone else have the same experiences with this hone? I am 1/2 tempted to ditch the thing... or maybe just keep it in the kitchen.

If you haven't figured it out ... I am a big fan of the coticule. That type of stone seems to sharpen almost anything I put on it. Maybe it's me, I don't know.

What is the "peoples" hone. You have a "few" coticules and your not satisfied with the edge they provide? Do I understand correctly. Your looking for something to follow?

He's referring to the China 12k

Originally Posted by IanS

He's referring to the China 12k

OK, That makes sense. The Chinese 12k is capable of giving good edges. Since it's soooo slow, it's very possible to screw up the edge. My advice would be to get another finisher, like a Naniwa 12k. You only need very few strokes. It doesn't seem to be working for you anyway...You can easily sell it on the classifieds...How long have you been using it?

I really like the edge off of a coticule.

The chinese stone is a slow polisher, for sure. I've been using this one for about a year now. I usually lose the lap count after about 100 or so laps.

I read alot about the Naniwa 12k. It seems that this stone is popular as a finish stone as well. I do like the idea of minimizing the lap count. Are there any other stones that finish well with a low lap count ?

Chosera and Shapton come to mind. Escher and Nakayama are my fav's, but pricey...
For the best value, you can't beat Naniwa, if not that, maybe a Shapton 16k.

I'm of the lucky few that seems to have a relatively fast "C12k"... and get very good results with it. Maybe more info on the other stones you use before it might help? Also, as said, it's very easy to screw up your edge once you hit the 50+ laps because you start paying less attention. Maybe check your edge every 15 laps... even though overhoning might not be a problem with that stone.

The Guangxi I have may be from another batch because I bought it from a Polish shop. I totally love mine and gives me a comfortable shave. Yours may be coarser but should probably still give a decent edge. I think the stone may not be properly lapped or it's your technique. Proper honing takes a lot of practise, I know because I'm still learning myself

Although it may not be the stone's fault if it doesn't give you the edge you need just get a faster finisher. What are you planning to do with the stone in your kitchen?

i really don't know how to say what i like to say. I will go head and do it.
having stone doesn't mean you are (or me) using it right way?
could be stone is bad one ? of course it could be?
In my opinion Try eliminate the possibilities at first then come to conclusion what is wrong .
Example.
if you are talking about chinese 12k stone.
case #1
You have finer stones then chinese example An Escher .
what you do . after using Escher you go head do couple strokes on chinese 12 k ?
of course you will see edge gets dull.
case#2
You don't do enough laps on chinese 12 k
case #3 User doesn't know how to us it at all. Example puts too much pressure to the blade,wrong strokes .
case#4 user Jumping to 12k too early and when doesn't get what he expected getting mad etc
case#5 user uses 12k as a sharpening stone ?
etc. etc
I am not saying you have 1 of those problems
Just try Eliminate other causes then you will find out what is the problem.
hope this helps

I also use a 12k and find it sometimes takes a good slurry to get it up to top performance then it cuts slow but not that slow plus it gives you less chance to take the edge to far.

I estimate on a sharp razor you will need a good 100-150 laps of slurryed stone then clean the stone off and just use water with another 50 laps it gives my blades such a polished edge that the HHT TEST is so easy.

I use a little pressure to get it started and then ease up to almost a feather touch at the end.

Hope this helps