I recently bought a few new finishing hones (and have two more on the way), so I thought I would be fun to somewhat systematically try my different finishers on different types of steel - starting with five different finishers (Nakayama Asagi, hard translucent Ark, Vermont green slate, Naniwa 12k, and Ozuku) across three types of steel (19th century Sheffield crucible steel, post WWII Solingen, and C135). Please feel free to join me with your own tests - the more the merrier. Should be a lot of fun! Let's get started.
For the first season, I will use a 19th century Wade & Butcher 7/8 near wedge with very good geometry. This is the second 19th century Sheffield I bought and restored.
Season 1, Episode 1 (S1E1). Nakayama Asagi finish I put on the razor back in May 2021. Excellent shave. Very sharp and very smooth edge. I could shave with this edge every day and be happy. Under the loupe the edge is quite smooth looking. Not as smooth as Naniwa 12k but pretty darn smooth looking.
For the first season, I will use a 19th century Wade & Butcher 7/8 near wedge with very good geometry. This is the second 19th century Sheffield I bought and restored.
Season 1, Episode 1 (S1E1). Nakayama Asagi finish I put on the razor back in May 2021. Excellent shave. Very sharp and very smooth edge. I could shave with this edge every day and be happy. Under the loupe the edge is quite smooth looking. Not as smooth as Naniwa 12k but pretty darn smooth looking.