Naniwa 12K (first personal hone)

[SJBFIRE]

Just wanted to say I got my first hone for my Birthday. After much research and hours of reading I decided on the Naniwa 12000. I immediately lapped it with 600 grit wet/dry and honed all four of my straights. All I can say is wow. I have used a buddies C12K once and thats the extent of my honing experience. I was able to quickly figure out how to use the Naniwa and would suggest this stone to anybody on the fence about honing their own razors. I have a hard wool felt strop with the .5 Chromium Oxide spray from SRP in the mail to finish the edge and can't wait. I don't know how the edge could get any better but from what I read the wool with Cr-ox spray is the way to go after a fresh honing.

[SliceOfLife]

It's definitely a big upgrade from the China nat. I found it not to my taste, but for someone who is used to and likes to work on synth whetstones, it's probably the best value in finishers out there. To find something competitive with it in grit you're looking at several times the cost in Shaptons lines. I wouldn't bother with 0.5 chromox after the Nani 12k. The technicals of their 12k are considered a trade secret, but based on the 10k's specs, I doubt 0.5 micron is really that much finer than what is in the 12k SS. If anything I'd look for something to smooth the edge coming off the SS. An oilstone finish, a few ultralight passes on a slightly coarser natural stone, or a lot of time on aggressive (but untreated) strop.

[Disburden]

IMo, it's the best synthetic finishing hone you can use. I love mine, usually I will follow it with a Strop that has Cerium Oxide on it (yellow stuff), either that or I use the YG Escher. Chromium Oxide works fine on linen from my experience too.

[Wid]

Count me in as a fan of the Naniwa 12K too. I use .25 diamond on SRD hard felt afterwards.

[SJBFIRE]

How do you like your hard wool felt setup. I had a hard time deciding between the diamond and Cro-Ox spray but went with the green stuff. I should get it today in the mail.

[Wid]

So far I like it quite a bit. Gives the edge that little bit extra keenness.