Thread: Naniwa 220 grit Superstone

Hone: Naniwa Super Stone 220g

Purchased From: www.straightrazordesigns.com
Price: $23.99

Initial Thoughts: I already have the Naniwa Super Stone in 5k & 8k, and along with the 220 i also got the 1000 stone which i will also be reviewing in the future. I have to admitt i was very weary because im so used to sharpening chisels with DMT's 6" Dia-Sharp line. Its widly said the DMT is the stone to go with when using low grit stones because of its toughness. There is a risk of gouging some stones when "breadknifing" but i can't really elaborate as i've always used sandpaper on glass. I chose the Naniwa over the DMT, Norton and Shapton because like i said, i already use DMT on my chisels and to be honest I wanted something new. I have no desire to soak a stone for 5-10 minutes or worry about the stone cloggin up so i discarded the Norton and really just didnt want to bother with a low grit Shapton.

The Test: I have a W&B razor that i use to test all new types of restoration techniques. So i took the razor out and began the experiment.



Oh No Davey, Dont do it!!!!!



Too Late!



After 20 minutes...10 of which i sent watching Wyatt Earp on the History Ch.



And this is what the stone looked like after i rinsed it:

*I seriously tried to cut this stone into pieces. I tried to gouge it, i tried to cut the sides where its beveled. Nothing more than superficial scratches.

Conclusion:

Composition: Not quite as durable as a dmt, but it had a much better feel. i was able to feel the razor straighten out instead of having to stroke and look, stroke and look. Im not crazy about the "**** brown" holder but thats the least of my concerns. I honed 12 razors on it, without lapping. I even cut across the stone after breadknifing to see if the scratches would affect the evenness of the cut made by the stone. Didnt make a difference. It does get dirty quickly, but it doesnt absorb or eat up the material left behind the way other stones have been said to. Overall this is one badass hone.

Practicality/Value: The Price is $23.99. That is a bargain. Enough said. I think this hone is overlooked because its just used to breadknife mostly. But there is a feel to it. That feel doesnt make it better per say, but it makes it enjoyable. That is what makes this practical. Its a tough stone, and its a comfertable stone. Did i mention is only $23.99.

The Nitty-Gritty: The better you get a honing, the crappier the razor you will take on. Obviously once your polished at honing you won't be afraid of badly chipped or worse razors. You know what stone will take out those chips? Not your 4k, not your 8k, but your 220 grit stone. This is the stone for that.

Why would you do such a cruel thing to such a nice razor? You must be stopped.
However, I do agree that the 220 is a nice hone. Now you just need the 400, the 3k, the...