Choice of three any opinions are great

[Freedom]

So I'm looking at getting a hone for maintenance, I have yet to run into issues with using crox + a strop but none the less a hone is the next step.

I have three to choose from bearing in mind this will be the only hone I have and it will be for touch ups nothing more.

These are the three contenders and they are in the order in my head of what I think is best for this purpsoe, so if you think number two or three are preferably to one then please indicate this, also will I need a rubbing stone with these?


One: Naniwa Super Stone, 8k

Two: Thuringian Water Hone (New not vintage), 10-12k

Three: Welsh Dragons Tongue Slate, around 8k

Thanks for any advise, Chris

 

[mainaman]

the dragon tongue is the worst of the 3 imo.
The Thuringian, you have to test, it can be good or average, if it's good it will be better choice than the 8k Superstone.

 

[LarryAndro]

You will be very happy with the Naniwa Superstone 8K....

 

[SliceOfLife]

8k is the max JIS officially rates if I recall correctly, and it's only in the area of 9-10k Mesh if I remember my conversion chart.

Of what you listed. If you mean the tiny 4x1" new thuringians and the size isn't an issue for you, I doubt you'll find one that isn't a finer finish than the 8k Naniwa (I'd say 12k Naniwa is a fairer comparison). If you mean the 8x2" ones that some sites are selling as thuringians lately, then I'd go with the Naniwa. IMHO, the new stones aren't anything special. I'd rather have a good synth barber hone or a Coticule. You might also consider the 12k Naniwa. It's not much more expensive than the 8k. The first google result has the 8k for $60 and the 12k for $73.

You don't need a rubbing stone for the thuringian. It makes it cut a little faster, but for a touchup hone I doubt that is a big deal. If you want to slurry it, a $12 2.5"x1" DMT C works fine anyway. You don't need a slurry stone for the Naniwa's either, but you may have to lap them when they arrive. I don't know, but I'm sure many members can tell you.

 

[gary haywood]

i would say Coticule or 10k naniwa the differance being natural or manmade. The manmade will take less strokes.

 

[Freedom]

Thanks for the responses

Yeah I am still in two minds as to weather I need a hone, Gary from the above post does my initial honing which is great, but I am still wondering if A hone is needed or weather a better setup using some Balsa and crox as well as may be a cloth strop with some white paste would do the job instead?

edit: to note the Thuringian would be the 8x2 new ones, also the reason it's a 8k Naniwa and not 10-12 is because theres one for a reduced price.

 

[SliceOfLife]

Of those choices I'd get the Naniwa. I've heard that Dragons Tongue are more in the 5-6k range than 8k. And the new Mueller stones won't be better than a 8k JIS synth based on my experience with them.

 

[Disburden]

The new big Thuringian stones aren't good at all, imo. I would much rather have the naniwa in it's place. I use a Vintage thuri in the wooden box and that runs circles around the new one, in fact it works like an Escher, but it's small.

I actually think synthetic hones are better in general, especially for new honers, than finish on a big Escher.

 

[mainaman]

The new big Thuringian stones aren't good at all, imo. I would much rather have the naniwa in it's place. I use a Vintage thuri in the wooden box and that runs circles around the new one, in fact it works like an Escher, but it's small.

I actually think synthetic hones are better in general, especially for new honers, than finish on a big Escher.

well it depends on the particular stone they are not all identical.
My new thuri finishes very well.

 

[schatz]

If just for maintenance, the chinese 12k gives a mighty smooth edge and costs very little to acquire. The slight downside is that many strokes are needed. However, before long you may wish to do more than just maintenance. If so, a coticule is a very versatile tool and will also accomplish the pure maintenance role with just water. I know these options were not in your original inquiry, however, you may wish to consider them.

 

[danjared]

well it depends on the particular stone they are not all identical.
My new thuri finishes very well.

It's true. It should be made clear that "new big Thuringian" here means MST's "Thuringian with inclusions", whereas the ones people somewhat unanimously say are good are MST's "Thuringian without inclusions". This latter, better type can be found in larger sizes (but not as large as 8"x2" as far as I'm aware), but I think they're sold out everywhere. So, basically, if you find something that's a new Thuringian in 8"x2", it's probably a luck-of-the-draw and you're more likely than not to be disappointed in it as a finisher (but you could get lucky). If you are able to find a 5"x2.5", it's one of the ones without inclusions and a pretty good finisher.