Are you planning on setting the bevel and progressing to finish on one stone?I think Arkansas Grey 12k finishing stone costs about 35 USD.
Are you planning on setting the bevel and progressing to finish on one stone?I think Arkansas Grey 12k finishing stone costs about 35 USD.
Are you planning on setting the bevel and progressing to finish on one stone?
Where can you find a Grey Ark for $35?
Then you don’t need stones. Follow slash’s pasted strop tutorial followed by the leather strop.I received a shave ready straight razor from steve clarkus. Dick peck sent another shave-ready straight razor which is in transit.
I shaved with the one I have with three times before I decided to get a strop for it.
I plan to maintain them.
Why doesn't someone do the same as Slash did with films using stones? I mean, if the only reason films are easy is because of one man deciding to put together a method, lets get one for stones.
All valid points.Slash put together a method for using lapping film and balsa strops with pastes. If others were to develop a method for using those media, I suspect their methods would differ, at least slightly.
The are those who have put together honing methods using common synthetic stones such as Norton, Naniwa, and Shapton. However, because multiple people have experimented with those stones, there are multiple methods.
With natural stones, no two are identical, even if they were cut from the same large rock. Thus, there are numerous methods for using natural stones. You have to experiment and determine which method works best for your stone.
The other factor is that a given hone can sometimes be used for multiple purposes depending upon how it is used. A hone with slurry performs differently than a hone with plain water. Using oil, honing solution, liquid hand soap, shaving lather, etc. all produce varying results.
Another factor that is not observable in any written method or even honing videos is the amount of pressure being exerted on the edge during the honing process. This is something that has to be learned from experience on the hones.
The final factor, however, is your preference in edge quality. Some folks can shave with an edge off a 8K Norton or Naniwa; I cannot. Some folks can shave with an edge off a Coticule; I cannot. Some people have never used a pasted strop; I use them religiously. Since we differ in our edge preferences due to variation in our beard type and skin type, there is no one honing method that will be ideal for everyone.
I think Arkansas Grey 12k finishing stone costs about 35 USD.
@Slash McCoy For initial exploration, films are cheap and good. What about long-term costs? Are 1u films cheaper than something like Arkansas Grey finishing stone in the span of 10~20 years?
It’s actually works fairly well to polish up the kitchen sink.I have lapping film and a set of Naniwa stones. My lapping film will out last me.............cause I never use it!
Daily post shave maintenance with the .1u balsa will keep it crazy sharp.
If you are only keeping your own razors maintained your original purchase would likely last you the rest of your life. Go ahead and splurge, buy both.
- How much does diamond paste cost, compared to lapping film over years?
If you are only keeping your own razors maintained your original purchase would likely last you the rest of your life. Go ahead and splurge, buy both.
Good one.Good suggestion. But, would it last for the rest of your life because you don't use lapping flim or diamond paste?
Good suggestion. But, would it last for the rest of your life because you don't use lapping flim or diamond paste?
There is no definitive answer here, as there are too many variables: your beard, how you prep, shave and strop etc. I have been shaving with only straights since Autumn 2016, I have explored numerous razors and stones, and possess the following:I've seen naniwa 12k mentioned on several youtube videos. It seems to be the standard for maintaining a straight razor.
@Dick peck mentioned it should be enough for me to hone a straight razor on a 12k water stone every month if I just wanted to maintain it and shaved with it everyday.
I have a few questions.
- Shall I start with naniwa 12k water stone for straight razor maintenance?
- If I didn't shave with a straight razor everyday, how do I know when I should hone a straight razor?
- What about DMT diamond bar used for honing various blades?
This is a rare and appreciated post. Rarely do others recognize that one's beard is a significant factor when choosing which honing medium to use.There is no definitive answer here, as there are too many variables: your beard, how you prep, shave and strop etc. I have been shaving with only straights since Autumn 2016, I have explored numerous razors and stones, and possess the following:
Razors.
Portland Hydra ( 2017) 6/8
1850-1880 vintage Sheffield 13/16
Hones.
CNAT (occasional finisher)
3000/8000 Toishi Ohishi combo WS
10000 Toishi Ohishi WS
Strops.
Westholme Latigo with linen 2nd
Pure linen with paste for refreshing
I will say I’ve tried a few stones and find the ‘Toshi’ to be superb, slightly less expensive than Naniwa, but I would suggest every bit as good. Do you need a stone to maintain an edge? Yes. Does a pasted strop maintain a keen edge indefinitely? No. And if you are not careful you will even damage an edge using a PS if you have excessive paste and poor technique. It requires patience and practice to develop a feel for honing, and only trial and error will tell you what works for you. I find I can shave comfortably with my Hydra off the 8k, but a few light strokes on the 10k seems to finish my old Sheffield perfectly. Not the answer you may have wished for, but just my tuppence worth for your benefit (I hope).