Thread: Chinese 12k

I saw Randy's mention of the Chinese 12k finishing stone at woodcraft.com and decided to look it up. Does anyone here use one regularly? If so, can I hear some opinions? It looks nice for the price for a newcomer.

Originally Posted by Ben

I saw Randy's mention of the Chinese 12k finishing stone at woodcraft.com and decided to look it up. Does anyone here use one regularly? If so, can I hear some opinions? It looks nice for the price for a newcomer.

I have one and I used it alot but now I am using a pasted paddle strop.

I've been using a pasted paddle as well. The finest grit is 0.50 micron. Is the 12k still worth getting?

The Chinese 12k is worth it to a hone junkie!
It is a very slow cutting finishing stone. When I decide to use it on a razor I use 100 laps. This is a very hard stone, harder than the Norton's and Japanese hones, so at first what you are doing is honing the edge very flat, i.e., removing any minute rounding of the edge caused by softer stones.
Please note that this hone is not a necessity, it is a luxury-novelty. Also, it is not a replacement for the Norton 8000 or other fine hone. The same effect can be obtained by using a Belgian coticule, Escher or fine abrasive pastes on a paddle strop and some of the Barber hones like the Apart.

Just my two cents,

I'll stick to my belgian then I like the thing anyway.

Originally Posted by randydance062449

It is a very slow cutting finishing stone. When I decide to use it on a razor I use 100 laps. This is a very hard stone, harder than the Norton's and Japanese hones, so at first what you are doing is honing the edge very flat, i.e., removing any minute rounding of the edge caused by softer stones. Please note that this hone is not a necessity, it is a luxury-novelty. Also, it is not a replacement for the Norton 8000 or other fine hone. The same effect can be obtained by using a Belgian coticule, Escher or fine abrasive pastes on a paddle strop and some of the Barber hones like the Apart.

I use and love my pasted paddle strop, but I'm already finding that I will need to buy traditional stones. The paddle strop is great for the great edges, but I've noted that any flaw in the edge, no matter how tiny, affects the performance of the paddle. I took a smaller razor to the paddle the other day and did the following:

20 laps on 0.5 then cleaned the edge and stropped 20 laps
20 laps on 1.0 then cleaned the edge and stropped 20 laps
25 laps on 0.5 then cleaned the edge and stropped 20 laps

Apparently, there was a slight imperfection in the edge, and it managed to scoop up some of the abrasive. I think I'm gonna need stones -- like now.

Any thoughts?

I like stones











can't really say anything other than that. I don't have any pasted paddle's so I can't comment. I just know that I really like the way my belgian hone shaped up my "Weltmeister" sheffield that was a blunt as a saw when I got it. I used it this morning and it was gorgeous. But if you think a stone is the way to go....

Norton 4000/8000

Originally Posted by Ben

Any thoughts?

Ben,
Paddles are only for refreshing or sharpening smooth edges. Nicks, etc..... are what stones are best at. There you need a good hard surface. New razors, or previously sharpened razers are fine on paddles but I suggest anyone doing restoration or working with nicked razors start on a stone.

Tony