I just found this thread, so I thought I would comment.
I've got and used synthetic stones, Coticules, Thuringians JNats, Welsh Slates and others. While I have not tried every stone out there, I've owned and used quite a few. I suppose along the way I became a bit "jaded" by the constant string of "latest and greatest" hones.. many not coming close to their stated quality of purpose. I read about the Dark Shadow and was intrigued by the claims, but resisted. I had information on the La Lune before, but one never became available to me for purchase, but, after some consideration, I decided to give La Lune a try.. partly because the price of entry was not too steep. I bought a 6 x 2 inch, with slurry stone. I would have purchased a bout with one long side, but they were sold out.. the 6 x 2 is plenty of real estate for my purposes,
The accompanying literature claim the stone capable of use with water, but would max out with oil. I had read of others using with water and a misty slurry, so I started there. The claim was that these stones are in the 12 to 15K range. In my experience, after the first use, that seemed about right, in comparison to my best coticules and Shoubudani Jnat. My first honing was on a Puma, as I said, misty slurry with water. The shave was a wee bit crisp, with a bit of alum bite, so I knew the stone was a superior finisher. Next I tried a heavier and wetter slurry.. wetter, so I did not have to add water, and dilute, to keep the slurry viable. Now, I hit my sweet spot. The shave was with a NOS DORKO... keen and smooth.. as keen as I've felt off any stone, and near coticule smoothness.. I can get smoother with a coticule, but a bit less keen. I can handle the added keenness of La Lune by using a very light hand with the razor.
I must say I'm highly impressed by La Lune... It is the "real deal" and a superior finisher. BUT, I am using it in that role, as a pure finisher, and it excels!
I thought for many years now that I would stand pat with stones, that nothing could equal, much less better what I've got. I was wrong!
The La Lune is impressive, does everything I need as a finisher and then some. It's dead easy to use.. for me, one of those "cant miss" stones.
I know it sounds too good to be true. But, I'm not a shill, and not on the payroll... just a user who took a chance, and got a good dose of reality in that there are other stones out there beyond what I had..
Really, still quite surprised by the stone, particularly considering these are newly mined, and not vintage... which are always better.. Right?
Not this time!
