Thread: So I bought a razor ... or 10

First off let me say I am no JNat expert. I thought level 5 was the hard hone.
Tape is your friend.
You can save a lot of stell by learning using tape.
Once you can hone without grinding that tape away, you will have reached a point in learning where tape is no longer required.

Thanks!
I just assumed the seller misplaced the numbers regarding hardness.
I never considered tape so far. I guess it makes sense.

There is a giant debate online about tape versus no tape. My take on it is simple, for those learning tape saves razors. In the early times of learning there is a tendency for people to put too much pressure on the spine, and it grinds the spine down too fast and ruins the geometry. The fastest way to learn to hone is to find someone to show you. I used Gssixgun videos because I live 100 miles past the end of the road. I recommend using only one presenter ar a time until you learn their technique and can get consistent results. There are many many ways to get a nice shaving edge.

What are you lapping your stones with?

You should be getting good smooth shaving edges off a Naniwia 12k or the 8k Fugi.

What were you slurrying the Jnat with? Do you have Naguras?

As with all Natural stones, you will have to try it. Lap it with 400 or 320 wet and dry on something flat, cookie sheet, stone tile or glass. Make sure to bevel the edges, raise a thin slurry and see how it cuts and look at the bevel and edge with magnification. Bevel should be hazy from a shiny 8 or 12k and the edge should be as straight or straighter than the 8 or 12k.

I prefer the edge from an 8k Fuji or Snow White to the 12k Naniwia, especially if you are going to a natural, because of the load up issue and the bevel finish is about the same. The 12k has a tendency to load up, so you want to remove the swarf for your finish passes.

A diamond plate is a good investment, you can buy a good plate for as low as $30.

As far as the Jnat, you have to try it, no one can tell a stones performance by looking at it or by ink stamps on it.

I am lapping with 400 grit wet and dry on glass. I did bevel the edges with a 400 stone.
I prefer the 12k edge to the 8k Fuji one.
I do not have any real naguras and I am not sure if I will invest in them; not right now, anyway. I had a small hard slurry stone from a friend that I've slurried with. Now I have an Eze-Lap diamond plate for that purpose. It is a small plate, 1200 grit.
I did notice the load up on the 12k, but I do clean it every now and then. I finish under running water with the lightest of pressures and then it does not load up anymore.
My 30X loupe is still on it's way.

Yea, lap the Jnat, raise a slurry and try it.

My point is any Natural even a Jnat is not a magic finisher.

Perfect the 8 or 12k. Once you can get great edges from either, then a Natural should improve that.

Nagura, provide a further progression on a Jnat that allow you to max the performance of the base stone.

As a set of naguras is rather expensive and it introduces new variables, I will stick to this setup for the moment. Maybe when I'll start honing those Japanese razors

I find it strange how some guys spend an hour or more breaking slurry with naguras. I used to do the same thing. Then I became enlightened. Lol.

Originally Posted by Euclid440

Perfect the 8 or 12k. Once you can get great edges from either, then a Natural should improve that.

I don't know how that could be made as a blanket statement without knowing the quality of the 'Natural'. There are plenty of natural stones that are much worse than an 8k synthetic

“So what do you guys think? It is a dud or is it a keeper? My next step is to touch up a TI Le Dandy on it that is a little rough after 12k.”

“Perfect the 8 or 12k. Once you can get great edges from either, then a Natural should improve that.”
“As far as the Jnat, you have to try it, no one can tell a stones performance by looking at it or by ink stamps on it.”

“I don't know how that could be made as a blanket statement without knowing the quality of the 'Natural'. There are plenty of natural stones that are much worse than an 8k synthetic”


Who’s making a blanket statement?

I’m not saying the OP’s Jnat is finer than an 8k. I’m saying if he is finishing on a Natural, it should improve a 12k edge.

But he is not getting good shaves from his 12k, a known quantity. So, once the Op can get a good shave from the 12k, then he can compare to his Jnat, a totally unknown quantity.

If his Jnat, does not improve a 12k edge, what is the point? The problem is not either of the stones. The Op just needs a little more time on the hones.