Thread: Naniwa 10 or 12k?

Originally Posted by Disburden

Do you think that has to do with the fact that you own the whole set of naniwas and use them as such? I've only used mine after the norton 8k side and experienced harshness to the face.

I don't know,, my instant reaction would be "No", but I have not tested it myself...I do however believe that certain razors work better with certain stones/hones...
But
I think sometimes way to much is made of those outcomes..It is rather funny that we all strive for the very best for our face yet most of us agree the difference between a "Great" shave and an "Exceptional" shave is very minute and has so many different factors that can account for it...
Also
I know that a finish is a finish, I do tons of razors on the 1-4-8 Nortons or the 1-3-8 Naniwas, then switch to a different Natural finisher after that with good effect... Just the other night I honed 6 razors that way and used a Coticule on 3 Sheffielders, a Chinese PHIG on a Heljie and a Escher on 2 Solingen edges..
I haven't done a switch to another synthetic in over 3 years but back in 07 I used to hone Norton 1-4-8 and a switch to the Shapton Sweet 16 with good results...

Now what is funny is after just typing that I just realized that if I am going to do a known Chippy type razor it does not even cross my mind to use anything but the full Naniwa line 1-3-5-8-10-12 Hmmmmmm

See what I mean, who knows man, gotta try it, yourself, then ya gotta decide for yourself, I guess...

I think if a razor chips on a 12k you'll be having much bigger problems at bevel setting time

Well I don't mean that the edge has chips directly off the hone. I mean after several shaves through my stubble the edge will tend to be more fragile and chip under the microscope, either way the edge is not to my liking on the naniwa 12K, I actually prefer the norton 8K edge. lol

Originally Posted by Disburden

Well I don't mean that the edge has chips directly off the hone. I mean after several shaves through my stubble the edge will tend to be more fragile and chip under the microscope, either way the edge is not to my liking on the naniwa 12K, I actually prefer the norton 8K edge. lol

I think it's more to do with the razor unless you find that chipping on all razors.

Maybe I am just looking for something to buy. I'm getting rid of my Chinese 12k because I don't like the feel of the edge that it leaves. Should I even bother with the 12k? I've gone a couple years the the 8k as my highest grit stone, and find that quite comfortable.

Originally Posted by dnjrboy

Maybe I am just looking for something to buy. I'm getting rid of my Chinese 12k because I don't like the feel of the edge that it leaves. Should I even bother with the 12k? I've gone a couple years the the 8k as my highest grit stone, and find that quite comfortable.

IMO if you are used to 8k edges you will not be disappointed with the Naniwa 12k. On the bright side if you find that you really don't like it, which is unlikely, you can always put it up on the classifieds. They never last long once posted...

I come off the Norton 4K/8K on a daily basis to either a Naniwa 12K, Escher, Asagi or Ohzuku. I have never had a problem with the Naniwa SS 12K on any of the razors I have honed. It is a workhorse and does not disappoint in my opinion.

Stones are no different than razors though when it comes to preferences. I have never noticed any chipping as a result of a particular stone, but people definitely develop preferences regarding which ones work best and feel best for them.

In answer to the question at hand, I find the shave off the 10K a little coarser than off the 12K. That also includes both the Naniwa Super 10K and the Naniwa Chosera 10K. I would definitely agree that you can shave off either of these 10K stones, but I definitely like the 12K result better.

Have fun,

Lynn