10k or 12k

[rollie]

My highest grit hone is a chinese natural that I purchased on the popular auction site.
It was listed as 10k (I know it's a guesstimate)

It's definitely higher grit than my norton 8k anyway.
I'm considering purchasing a c12k but I'm not sure if it would make much of a difference.

I know it's a "YMMV" kind of thing.

All opinions welcome.

 

[SliceOfLife]

You could already own a 12k. For all we know someone may be selling Guangxi hones (the "12k" slates) as 10k hones. Someone just pulled the 12k number out their arse to market the stone a few years ago. If someone else in China started exporting them, they could be sold as 10k or 8k or 100k. There's really no knowing what they'd call it. Put up a picture of it and maybe we can tell you if it's a Guangxi.

 

[rollie]

I'm not at home at the moment, but the "10k" pictured here looks very similar, roughly the same dimensions.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/180971292149?nav=SEARCH&sbk=1

 

[SliceOfLife]

Ok, ya, I think that stone is called beryl or something. Gamma tried some a few months back. I'll let him weigh in on whether he thinks a Cnat would be an improvement or not. Frankly, I'd say it probably would be nice to buy just for the size upgrade. Depending on your budget though, it may be worthwhile to buy something better than a CNAT if you're considering upgrading anyway.

 

[rollie]

Thanks

 

[Gamma]

I'm not sure what the stone in that link is. Looks similar to the Beryl stone, but different too.
The green Beryl hone I had was way finer and faster than any Chug I've owned.
A Beryl stone that's 8 x 2 x 1 will run about 200 on ebay, less than 1/2 that if you can shop it through other sources.

 

[rollie]

I'm not sure what the stone in that link is. Looks similar to the Beryl stone, but different too.
The green Beryl hone I had was way finer and faster than any Chug I've owned.
A Beryl stone that's 8 x 2 x 1 will run about 200 on ebay, less than 1/2 that if you can shop it through other sources.

Ok, Thanks gamma.

 

[rollie]

It's actually not too bad, I get fairly good edges from it but I might get something better.

 

[rollie]

But then again I don't have anything to compare it to. It does the job for now anyway.

 

[Gamma]

Try it with water/soap or lather or glycerine/water.

 

[johnmrson]

I quite like the Chinese 12k. It was a very slow stone but gave a pretty good finish. If you're looking for a decent budget finishing stone, then you can get quite a decent sized one for a good price. That's the way I'd be going.

 

[rollie]

That's what I was thinking.

 

[rollie]

Try it with water/soap or lather or glycerine/water.

I'll try that next time.

 

[Gamma]

If your finisher is anything like the one I had - I seriously doubt a Chug is going to compare favorably.
Me - personally - I'd rather have a smaller but better finisher. But for 20 bucks, the Chug is worth checking out.

 

[rollie]

If your finisher is anything like the one I had - I seriously doubt a Chug is going to compare favorably.
Me - personally - I'd rather have a smaller but better finisher. But for 20 bucks, the Chug is worth checking out.

Ok, I tried both glycerine/water and lather.
It seemed to work slightly better with a glycerine/water mix,
But I've ordered a CNAT anyway.
Cheap as chips.

 

[H Brad Boonshaft]

Spend the extra money, buy the 12K. You will not regret it.

 

[Gamma]

For the most part - I've regretted each Chug that I've owned.
Some day - the elusive orange squiggle brick may show up and I'll try another.

 

[Alum of Potash]

Some day - the elusive orange squiggle brick may show up and I'll try another.

You mean, this guy?

 

[jpcwon]

Does this classify as an "orange squiggle" brick (this is my CHUG)? Sorry, didn't realize it uploaded sideways!!

 

[Gamma]

I honestly don't know - have never seen one, just heard of them.
Those look like what I think people have described though.

Truthfully - I have major reservations about them but I'd be willing to try one just to see.
After having 4 of these ballast blocks, well - naturally I'm jaded.