Chinese 12k, already lapped...

[bluefoxicy]

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Chinese-Water-Hone-Waterstone-for-Straight-Razor_W0QQitemZ130347554852QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item1e5951d824

The seller has a few of them, but in case anyone hasn't already seen these on eBay... they're already lapped flat and smoothed for you.

I've read that the Chinese hones really need that lapping, they come glazed and rough and everything.

Seller sells a longer one for $20 + $20 shipping, along with the shorter one for $10 + $13 shipping. Longer one is here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Chinese-Water-Hone-Waterstone-for-Straight-Razor_W0QQitemZ360161286789QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item53db491a85

Just a FYI. I got my Norton for $100 and was considering an $80ish hone for finishing (though I'd like a 15k or 20k).

I saw a really nice Japanese hone set I want too but I'm not bidding on that. 800 1200 6000 grit... I have a 4000/8000 Norton, which would line up right nicely... 800J 1200J 4000N 6000J 8000N 12000C would probably be sufficient to restore some of my slightly-knicked antiques.

[SliceOfLife]

6000J is finer than 8000N

If I were you I'd just get a DMT EF or F/EF to go before the Norton 4k (if you want a faster bevel setter). 8k To China isn't too bad.

[bluefoxicy]

6000J is finer than 8000N

If I were you I'd just get a DMT EF or F/EF to go before the Norton 4k (if you want a faster bevel setter). 8k To China isn't too bad.

How is 6000 grit finer than 8000? Or is this just because you guys know the hones and have personal experience here?

I don't currently need a bevel setter but possibly later.

I'm debating using mineral oil on the 12k for a highly polished edge, but that would seriously slow cutting.

[SliceOfLife]

Norton doesn't use JIS rating system.

So a JIS rated 6000grit (like a King) is actually a 9-10k on the Norton rating system. Just like a 1400grit on the US system (which seems to stop around 1500-2000grit) is like a 8k on the Norton system as well. And a 1k on US is (if I remember right) 3-4kish on Norton.

To put this in perspective. My 4k king is around an 8k Norton (I think it's actually a hair finer). Translucent Arkansas (usually refered to as 1200-1800US in the old woodworking books I've read) tend to be 6-9k or thereabouts.

It's really a PITA keeping them all straight. That's a big selling point of the DMT's to me. No question there. They tell you particle size. They are rated ~Norton scale. 3micron = 8k. JIS is a lot more complex. It has to do with median grit size, maximum grit size, Mu, and all kinds of complex probability formula's. And that's if they even tell you a grit. Many of the lesser known brand Japanese Synthetics I've seen are sold by the name of what stage in polishing (in Japanese of course) they are meant for. Shapton is an exception. They actually print micron size right on their hones. Which I think is brilliant.

Since you already have a 4k/8k Norton, I'd really just recommend getting a finishing stone (China, Thuringian, Coticule, Barber hone, 12k Naniwa, etc). And an ~1k (as I mentioned, I like DMT's) for setting bevels (if you plan to do a lot of restorations, if not I hear 4k is fine for the occasional beveling).

[bluefoxicy]

So a JIS rated 6000grit (like a King) is actually a 9-10k on the Norton rating system. Just like a 1400grit on the US system (which seems to stop around 1500-2000grit) is like a 8k on the Norton system as well. And a 1k on US is (if I remember right) 3-4kish on Norton.

How annoying.

What is that weird looking animal in your pic?

[SliceOfLife]

The type of animal you rub on your face daily.