Originally Posted by
Marshal
First impression - harder than my Nortons, definitely splash & go. Feedback is a tad grainy. The Norton 8K is softer and smoother. But the Shapton is clearly finer. Weird how that works out.
It's been too long since I've used synthetics. Either that or I was just too weary to hone proper. I took my Germania Cutlery Works that was shaving immaculately (previously honed on Dragon's Tongue and a Llyn Melynllyn) and touched it up on the Norton 4/8 and Shapton 12. I was a little disappointed in the shave, not nearly as good as the razor performed before the touch up. I think in spite of my best efforts I've failed to max out the stones. Because I patently refuse to believe that even my purple slate is finer than 12K.
Well, tomorrow's another day. More testing required to come to any conclusions. But I think when I get it pinned down I'll be fairly happy with the Kuromaku 12K.