Thread: I need a finishing stone Please help

Originally Posted by JulioFundora

What is Stephens edge?

I wasn't into honing yet so I didn't think to ask him what he used, I can't even remember what razor it was! All I know is that it shaved Great and the edge lasted a long time before going south!

I do know that his counsel: "Different people like different stones. If you want to know how the finishes work send some razors out and see what you like." Is good sound advice!

When I had Glen make the custom scales for son's Friodur for a Christmas present I also asked that when he honed it to finish it on the Naniwa 12K with no pasted strops, just regular stropping so that I could have a pro's edge to compare mine to! I'm so glad that I did as it was comparable to what I had been able to achieve on the Naniwa 12K and that gave me a great confidence boost!

Just shaved with my blade last night and it was a great time. I am going to pick up a 12k asap.

Maybe a little late to this thread, but here's my take. Synthetic stones give more consistent results than naturals. Natural stones have some variance to them, and it takes it a bit of experience to know when your where you need to be. I use both the Nani 12k, and the Shapton 16k, I've been using them for years, I've never once had a problem with microchipping. That could be any number of things from over honing, to inferior steel. It's not the hone. I have heard of the Naniwa 12k warping.

A good cheap natural stone, if you want to play around, is the Chinese 12k, it's underated imo. It's a good stone, especially when used with slurry. It's a slow cutter so you really can't overhone. They're sold at woodcraft. Here's a link for you. Of course, they vary too....If you have a local woodcraft, it's best to go, and look at the hone, open the box.
Buy Natural Water Stone 8 x 2-3 4 x 1-1 4 at Woodcraft

Stefan aka "Mainaman" is correct. A lot of it is personal preference when it comes to finishers. Some like Escher, Some like Jnats or Coticules, and other's like Synthetics. It takes some time and skill to find your niche.