Originally Posted by
shooter74743
I have quite a few finishers (above 8K) and know how to use each one of them. The reason I recommended the 12K Naniwa is that it would be a good stone to learn off of as a first step to finishers. It leaves a nice edge. I didn't mention any of the naturals simply due to each and every one of their personalities...just like every person reading this post. My primary stones are Shapton GS's, but i didn't recommend any of them simply because they are so stinking fast that you can ruin an edge at 16K quite easily by overhoning. I didn't mention a coti because unless you lucked out with a great rock, you wouldn't gain anything over your 8K. I didn't recommend an Asagi, Thuringian, Escher, Coticule, Charnley Forrest, Special Stone, GS 30K, PHIG...you get my drift...because they are all naturals (besides the Shapton) with individual personalities that could be really tough to learn if you don't have a good solid foundation. This is what the synthetics are so good at, building a solid honing foundation. Once you have learned to finish and get the best out of a Nani 12K, then the next logical step would be a thuringian from someone who hones razors & it's a good (meaning proven) finisher. After that the HAD will kick in and who knows what finisher you will end up with. Again, by this time you will have a solid foundation to learn a stone and bring the good and after time, the best out of the stone.
Some other things you may consider as well: Send one or two of your freshly honed razors to a veteran honer to evaluate your edge. Magnification is another VERY useful tool while honing. Try to meet up with other honers out there. Most of all, keep it fun and educational...
All the best,
Scott