Stones that is.
I have 4 different Canadian stones, all purchased as finishing stones. I purchased them from the same dealer in Alberta, the RFACo. I've been working with each one, but I wanted to have an unscientific head to head contest to see which is best to worst. The 4 stones are named Lochinvar, Invitica, Persian and Rosetta. I took 4 razors that needed touching up and put them all on my Vermont Slate and then to a different Canadian for the finish.
The results-
1 - Rosette Super Fine. This is a novaculite stone and the only stone I used oil on. It is very hard and super smooth and really puts the sharpest and cleanest edge on my razors. No pressure needed, just the weight of the razor. Super nice and easy. Works fairly quickly. It's also the prettiest with a red /black/tan look
2 - Persian. I used water and the included slurry stone with this, and it worked quickly. Not as smooth as the Rosetta and maybe just a bit softer. Unlike the others it smells like a stone when wet, like a dusty rock smell. Works very well and I'm pleased with the edge.
3 - Invitica. This was my favorite stone originally, but as I really began working these stones, I realized it worked slower. It's fairly smooth and I also used the included slurry stone here. Again though, a really nice edge.
4 - Lochinvar. This one worked slowly and took a lot of laps to get the edge right. I used the included slurry stone here as well. It's a very smooth stone. This might be best for just a quick final, final polishing after finishing? Is that a thing? Pretty happy with the edge, but it doesn't seem as keen.
In the end, they all touched up my razors well and they all improved the edge from the Vermont Slate. I tested on my arm hair and foam packing nuts. I am fairly confident in recommending these stones now. The prices are good and they're cheaper than many other stones out there. The dealer is helpful and seems to know his stuff. I dove in deep on these, and probably moved to quickly for a honer at my level, but I'm getting a handle on things now. I'm looking at his courser offerings now to make a natural progression.
I have 4 different Canadian stones, all purchased as finishing stones. I purchased them from the same dealer in Alberta, the RFACo. I've been working with each one, but I wanted to have an unscientific head to head contest to see which is best to worst. The 4 stones are named Lochinvar, Invitica, Persian and Rosetta. I took 4 razors that needed touching up and put them all on my Vermont Slate and then to a different Canadian for the finish.
The results-
1 - Rosette Super Fine. This is a novaculite stone and the only stone I used oil on. It is very hard and super smooth and really puts the sharpest and cleanest edge on my razors. No pressure needed, just the weight of the razor. Super nice and easy. Works fairly quickly. It's also the prettiest with a red /black/tan look
2 - Persian. I used water and the included slurry stone with this, and it worked quickly. Not as smooth as the Rosetta and maybe just a bit softer. Unlike the others it smells like a stone when wet, like a dusty rock smell. Works very well and I'm pleased with the edge.
3 - Invitica. This was my favorite stone originally, but as I really began working these stones, I realized it worked slower. It's fairly smooth and I also used the included slurry stone here. Again though, a really nice edge.
4 - Lochinvar. This one worked slowly and took a lot of laps to get the edge right. I used the included slurry stone here as well. It's a very smooth stone. This might be best for just a quick final, final polishing after finishing? Is that a thing? Pretty happy with the edge, but it doesn't seem as keen.
In the end, they all touched up my razors well and they all improved the edge from the Vermont Slate. I tested on my arm hair and foam packing nuts. I am fairly confident in recommending these stones now. The prices are good and they're cheaper than many other stones out there. The dealer is helpful and seems to know his stuff. I dove in deep on these, and probably moved to quickly for a honer at my level, but I'm getting a handle on things now. I'm looking at his courser offerings now to make a natural progression.
