Thread: Naniwa 12000 underperforming

When I used my Naniwa 12000 to finish a blade that I was refreshing, it seemed that the blade actually lost sharpness after the 12000. I tested it after the Norton 8000 before moving on to the Naniwa 12000, and I could swear that the 12000 dulled the edge just a bit. It still shaves great after the 12000, but seems like it was sharper and smoother at the 8000 stage. This isn't the first time I've had this result. Although I have got the Naniwa to work wonders before, it seems very finicky to use.

Also, the Norton 8000 always feels smooth and silky, but the Naniwa has a more coarse feel when I pass the blade on it.

I don't soak either stone. I wet them before use.

Does the Naniwa need to be lapped, maybe? If so, what do you recommend that would freshen up the stone's surface without leaving abrasive stuck in the stone?

I use the Norton flattening stone for the Norton 8000, and haven't had problems with abrasive getting left behind. But something tells me the Naniwa might be different.

I also have one of the (now controversial) C12K/PHIG/Guangxi stones that performs at a level below the Norton 8000. I read somewhere before that they need considerable preparation before use, but I can't remember exactly what that involves.

Does anyone have advice on prepping and using the Naniwa 12000, or also the C12K?

A Naniwa can provide an edge that is just fine. And yes it has to be lapped or you could very likely end up with your blade as you
described. I have not used Guangxi stones so I know nothing about them except they would need to be lapped as well.
You don't mention if you follow your 12k with a strop.
Take a look in the library section for a wealth of information on basics and advanced. On lapping:
Hone Lapping 101 - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Let us know how things work out.

To resharpen, I go Norton 8000, Naniwa 12000, a few passes on CrOx on a pasted paddle strop, then regular strop. I always test the blade after the 8000 to see if it is ready to move on, then after the 12000 to see if it is finished. Lately it seems that the edge is not quite as good after the 12000 as it used to be. So much so that the 8000 seems a bit better.

how many laps do you do on the 12k SS?
It is possible you over did the edge.

I do ten light X-strokes then check the sharpness.
I think I just need to lap the hone a bit. I just want to make sure I don't leave any abrasive behind from the flattening stone.
Maybe if I use my Norton flattening stone to clean it up, then scour the hone with a scotchbrite pad, that might scrub off any abrasive that stuck in the 12K stone.

Does anyone use something different that works better? I'm just looking for the most effective / surest way to clean up my 12K.

I think 5-10 strokes on the Naniwa are fine for both refreshing and finishing the honing regiment. Typically, I wet the stone till it quits drinking water and then use it. When done, I will gently lap it under running water with a GDLP or DMT 325 and then let it dry until the next use and this works well. I would definitely not use the Norton flattening plate on it. I have found in the past that when a finishing stone is not performing like I want, that it is usually my fault in that I am putting more pressure on the blade and not recognizing it. When that happens, I really pay attention to just the weight of the blade on the stone and usually I am back in business.

Have fun.

Originally Posted by MinATX

I do ten light X-strokes then check the sharpness.
I think I just need to lap the hone a bit. I just want to make sure I don't leave any abrasive behind from the flattening stone.
Maybe if I use my Norton flattening stone to clean it up, then scour the hone with a scotchbrite pad, that might scrub off any abrasive that stuck in the 12K stone.

Does anyone use something different that works better? I'm just looking for the most effective / surest way to clean up my 12K.

how do you check the sharpness, shave test?

Originally Posted by mainaman

how do you check the sharpness, shave test?

I wet a spot on my face and see how the blade shaves.

Sorry if I don't give any more replies. I'll be away from my computer for a couple days. Thanks for your help, guys.

Originally Posted by MinATX

I wet a spot on my face and see how the blade shaves.

Sorry if I don't give any more replies. I'll be away from my computer for a couple days. Thanks for your help, guys.

in this case I'd follow the advise Lynn gave you, just make sure the stone is lapped with properly and be careful with the pressure.