Thread: Do I need anything else?

So what do I need to touch up my razor besides either a 8000 norton or some sort of naniwa 10000 or 12000? I'm debating which one to buy from straight razor designs and don't know if I'll need anything else if I purchase one or the other. My razor was shave ready when I got it 3 months ago although it was an ebay purchase so who knows how well it was honed to begin with.

So I guess the point is if I get either of those hones I mentioned will I need anything else or can I throw some water on it do my honing and shave my face. I saw in a video from gssixgun that he rubbed some sort of thing on top of his norton 4000/8000 combo stone before using it and I don't know what that was or if I need it.

I'll probably try to find a second razor in the mean time so I don't have to go buy *gasp* cartridges.

Thanks for the future input,
Jim

A barbers hone is all you need to "touch up" a razor. I've personally used the Naniwa 12000 with great success. A second or tenth razor is definately needed...

If you will eventually buy razors that are not shave ready, than I would buy a Norton 4k/8k. The 8k gives a vey nice shave, and you can buy a naniwa 12k later too. I have both, and like both.

This reminds me of something John Gierach said about fly fishers who keep buying equipment they "need."

"Need is roughly synonymous with want"

Ken

So if I get the naniwa 12000 for now do I need anything to maintain the stone?

A sheet of 400 grit sandpaper and a flat surface shoud be fine. After the first lapping of the sticker, you won't have to lap the stone too frequently.

I started with a Naniwa 12k and a DMT 8C, the 12k will maintain a good edge but as stated before if the bevel is of unknown origin you will need something more.
The DMT is not mandatory but it is a good lapping plate and the Naniwa really does need just a little love from a flat surface every time you use it.
Check out GSsixGun's videos on honing they have a lot of good information.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/video...-gssixgun.html

So in short do you need anything other than the 12k, yes.
You need a way to lap it and clean it. Whether it is a Shapton gdlp, a DMT, wet dry Sandpaper on a truly flat surface, is up to you.

400 & 1000 grit wet and dry sandpaper is all I use on my stones to ensure they are flat. I really only use the 400 on a new stone as the rest is just maintenance & the 1K will take care of it just fine. A little water on the countertop in the kitchen, lay the paper on it, water the paper and use figure 8's. No pressure is needed, just plenty of water & of course a dish rag to clean up the mess...

Well I just put in an order for a naniwa 12000 and DMT 8C for lapping/cleaning. Thanks for all the advice. I'm sure I'll end up with some lower grit stones for bevel setting and sharpening as I get more razors.

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