6K grit waterstone - will it get the blade sharp enough?

**radaddict** · 09-17-2007, 08:00 AM

Searching through the forum I see that the Norton 4K/8K stone is the recommended choice. However, is a 6000 grit waterstone sufficient for putting a keen enough edge on the blade to get a close, comfortable shave or is an 8K or higher grit needed?

For the purposes of this question, let's assume a rather tough beard that requires shaving every day.

Thanks much.

**Suzuki** · 09-17-2007, 08:19 AM

I would suggest going to a higher grit hone/stone or a pasted strop after the 6k.

What type of stone are you thinking about - someone might have experience with that particular stone.

However, my sense is that most folks will tell you that you need to go to a finer medium before you'll get good shaving edge.

If you already have the stone, there's not harm in trying, but if you are looking to buy a new stone, I'd wait to see what others have to say.

**radaddict** · 09-17-2007, 08:27 AM

Originally Posted by Suzuki

I would suggest going to a higher grit hone/stone or a pasted strop after the 6k.

What type of stone are you thinking about - someone might have experience with that particular stone.

However, my sense is that most folks will tell you that you need to go to a finer medium before you'll get good shaving edge.

If you already have the stone, there's not harm in trying, but if you are looking to buy a new stone, I'd wait to see what others have to say.

I have the stone. I don't recall the manufacturer, but I believe it's made in China. I'm able to get an okay shave off the stone. What I'm not certain of, and the underlying reason for my question, is if I need a higher grit or if it's my honing skills that are keeping me from getting the edge I'm looking for. I purchased this stone because it was readily available and cheap ($35.). However, perhaps I've been penny wise and dollar foolish

**joel** · 09-17-2007, 08:44 AM

6K ain't gonna cut it.

You COULD get a shaving sharp edge off of a 6K hone, however, it isn't going to provide a smooth edge, or a shave that's anything special, which is my opinion, is the entire reason to go with a straight razor.

**Thebigspendur** · 09-17-2007, 08:49 AM

I have to agree that a 6K no matter the stone manufacturer just ain't fine enough to give a sufficiently refined edge on your razor to give you a really top notch shave.

**Doc4** · 09-17-2007, 08:52 AM

Perhaps then what stone would we next recommend for this fellow? Should he go for the Norton 4k/8k, or is 6k enough before moving to a coticule or similar finishing stone?

**radaddict** · 09-17-2007, 08:55 AM

Thanks for the feedback folks. You've confirmed my suspicions. So then, given that I have a 6K stone, what stone should I get to provide that final finish, 8K, 10K, 12K? What do you suggest?

Thanks again.

**Thomas** · 09-17-2007, 09:08 AM

I use a King 6k stone to set the bevel the first time I get a razor. After that it's been the green pasted strop. After six months there's only one razor that's re-visited the 6k and that was an ill-considered restore job.

**Thebigspendur** · 09-18-2007, 09:39 AM

If you can afford it I would go for the Coticule. Otherwise there are a variety of 10K and 12 k stones out there. You could also go with the Norton which would give you the 4K for restoration work and you could go with pasted strops also. So, there is no one way to go. You have many choices. If you don't have a Norton I think its the swiss army knife of honing and every straight user should have one.

Though I have several stones the Norton and the Coticule are the ones I keep returning to.

**joel** · 09-18-2007, 11:37 AM

For the $, i'd suggest a spyder fine, and ultra fine stone, as well as the chinese 12K stones.

**Lynn** · 09-18-2007, 12:51 PM

I'm experimenting with both a 5K and 6K stone right now to see what the difference in everyday honing from the 4K would be prior to the 8K. I'll keep you guys posted.

Lynn

**Bruce** · 09-18-2007, 01:34 PM

Joel,

Where does one buy these vaunted Chinese 12K waterstones?

never enough ballast, Bruce

**bjrn** · 09-18-2007, 02:14 PM

Woodcraft has one for $20 (or 31 if you want the larger model).

**cityjim** · 08-10-2009, 01:10 AM

Originally Posted by radaddict

Searching through the forum I see that the Norton 4K/8K stone is the recommended choice. However, is a 6000 grit waterstone sufficient for putting a keen enough edge on the blade to get a close, comfortable shave or is an 8K or higher grit needed?

For the purposes of this question, let's assume a rather tough beard that requires shaving every day.

Thanks much.

The Norton is a nice stone . There are others I like more . YMMV

cityjim

**mparker762** · 08-10-2009, 06:35 AM

If you're gonna resurrect a two-year-old thread could you at least contribute something that might be useful/interesting?

**radaddict** · 08-11-2009, 08:44 AM

Well, since this thread has been brought back from the dead and since I'm the OP, I'll at least make it somewhat worthwhile and tell what I wound up doing - hone wise that is.

I did get a Norton 4k/8k and the shave off the 8k was better than off the Chinese 6k. Then I added a Chinese 12k along with pasted strops and a couple of barber hones to play with. So, all in all, my razors are definitely shave ready and my shaves are much smoother - still workin' on the technique which may be a lifetime endeavor.

I'm sure that I'll eventually get a coticule and a Spyderco UF along with perhaps a Thuringian (sp?) and who knows what else. I sometimes think I have more fun dragging the blade across a hone than my face.

**Doc4** · 08-11-2009, 09:14 AM

Nothing wrong with breathing life into old threads ...

Glad to see you got yoruself sorted out, hone-wise, Dan. (Well, at least for now. It's hard to stop at just one ... er, two ... er, three ... er ... you get the idea.

)