Need info on a stone to start learning to hone with

**rugeruser22** · 07-25-2012, 04:00 PM

I've been searching everywhere and I cant seem to find what grit of stone I should buy.. I'm looking at a 12000 grit stone, but I think that might be to fine... I already know how to shave with a straight, so I'm looking to learn how to hone a razor myself. Any info would be appreciated.

Also I've read that some stones are uneven or something so when I buy one I'll have to get it flattened out. Is this true for all stones? Are there any brands that are ready to use right when I purchase it?

**smalltank** · 07-25-2012, 04:02 PM

12k and higher is for finishing an edge

I use dmt1200 diamond plate...easy bevel setting..combo coticule for sharpening/polishing
if the stone is brand new..you can lap it with sandpaper

**fccexpert** · 07-25-2012, 05:59 PM

Norton 4/8K water stone. All you need and reasonably priced.

**SliceOfLife** · 07-25-2012, 07:30 PM

If you don't mind a slightly steeper learning curve, for a single razor, a coti with slurry stone is the way to go for "full maintenance kit". It would take 3-5 synth whetstones to do what a coti can do once you learn how to use it. I'd really only recommend synths to someone looking to hone several razors at a sitting on a regular basis. I'd say 40x150mm is as small as I'd recommend, but a 40 or 50x200mm if you can afford it is a very nice upgrade to get for a casual honer.

If you just want a SINGLE stone solely for touching up a razor every few dozen shaves (when stropping no longer recovers an edge) there are literally hundreds if not thousands of options and it's all personal preference. Getting a Cheap Razor hone and lapping the surface is one of the cheapest methods, though investing in a coticule, 10-16k JIS synth, or another decent sized natural finisher (I have heard good things about the Welsh Green Slates, though I haven't used one personally) isn't a bad idea either. BEWARE of buying a "razor hone" on eBay though. The MAJORITY aren't actually for razors or anywhere near the grit an actual razor hone would be. Most people find a hone in a box (any hone. Could be razor grit, could be 60grit) and list it on eBay as a razor hone because they think it will sell for more that way. I've seen hones LABELED (visible in pictures) as "coarse" or "Tool Hone" as well as scythestones and more sold as "EXTREMELY FINE SUPER SMOOTH RAZOR HONE OMG SO FINE!!@!!!@1111!!".

**Harvitz81** · 07-25-2012, 07:38 PM

All excellent advice here. I would go for a coti if you want to put the time in and then you'd have a single stone that can maintain an edge at pretty much any point of dullness.

Another cheap option would be to get a set of lapping film (12 um to 1um) and then all you need is a flat surface and some water and you are good to go. Pretty much impossible not to get a good edge with this option. Over time obviously the cost of films adds up, but unless you are honing hundreds of razors then a single set will last you quite awhile.

Welcome back Ian.

Originally Posted by SliceOfLife

If you don't mind a slightly steeper learning curve, for a single razor, a coti with slurry stone is the way to go for "full maintenance kit". It would take 3-5 synth whetstones to do what a coti can do once you learn how to use it. I'd really only recommend synths to someone looking to hone several razors at a sitting on a regular basis. I'd say 40x150mm is as small as I'd recommend, but a 40 or 50x200mm if you can afford it is a very nice upgrade to get for a casual honer.

If you just want a SINGLE stone solely for touching up a razor every few dozen shaves (when stropping no longer recovers an edge) there are literally hundreds if not thousands of options and it's all personal preference. Getting a Cheap Razor hone and lapping the surface is one of the cheapest methods, though investing in a coticule, 10-16k JIS synth, or another decent sized natural finisher (I have heard good things about the Welsh Green Slates, though I haven't used one personally) isn't a bad idea either. BEWARE of buying a "razor hone" on eBay though. The MAJORITY aren't actually for razors or anywhere near the grit an actual razor hone would be. Most people find a hone in a box (any hone. Could be razor grit, could be 60grit) and list it on eBay as a razor hone because they think it will sell for more that way. I've seen hones LABELED (visible in pictures) as "coarse" or "Tool Hone" as well as scythestones and more sold as "EXTREMELY FINE SUPER SMOOTH RAZOR HONE OMG SO FINE!!@!!!@1111!!".

**SliceOfLife** · 07-25-2012, 07:44 PM

Thanks. That is a Nice stone at the top of your hones page. La Grosse Blanche?

Thuri vs Frankonian vs LI, your opinion?

**Harvitz81** · 07-25-2012, 08:30 PM

Originally Posted by SliceOfLife

Thanks. That is a Nice stone at the top of your hones page. La Grosse Blanche?

Thuri vs Frankonian vs LI, your opinion?

If it is the sale section than it is vintage and reacts similar to a La Grise. The one pictured with the straight on the honing page is a La Grise that gives feedback like a La Verte. Moderate fast on slurry and actually really fast on water, but easy to finish on. The only one I use now.

I sold my frankonian as I preferred the consistency of a Thuri better. I prefer a Thuri edge to a LI as well, but they are both nice. The LI just takes longer and I have to use oil.

**Pkrankow** · 07-25-2012, 10:26 PM

Check out the coticules at thesuperiorshave.com Jarrod is great. Coticules are a 1 hone solution for maintaining razors, but lack speed in restoring razors.

OTOH lapping film is pretty good, and very cheap. Kinda hard not to recommend trying it.

Phil

**SliceOfLife** · 07-25-2012, 11:15 PM

Originally Posted by Harvitz81

If it is the sale section than it is vintage and reacts similar to a La Grise. The one pictured with the straight on the honing page is a La Grise that gives feedback like a La Verte. Moderate fast on slurry and actually really fast on water, but easy to finish on. The only one I use now.

I sold my frankonian as I preferred the consistency of a Thuri better. I prefer a Thuri edge to a LI as well, but they are both nice. The LI just takes longer and I have to use oil.

I actually like using oil (hey, my razors oiled and ready for storage when I'm done!) But yeah, A nice thuri's speed is hard to beat.

**rugeruser22** · 07-26-2012, 01:12 PM

Thanks for the information, very helpful!

**Nova316** · 07-26-2012, 02:09 PM

I went with a DMT credit card extra fine grit
Norton 1000k
Coti from SuperiorShave
Jarrod is super helpful in choosing a stone just tell him what your price range is and he'll tell you some stones to choose from
I think its a great way to start

Even tho I just set the bevel yesterday on my first razor to HHT, tonight I get to learn how to make a slurry

**ladykate** · 07-26-2012, 02:26 PM

Originally Posted by Pkrankow

Check out the coticules at thesuperiorshave.com Jarrod is great. Coticules are a 1 hone solution for maintaining razors, but lack speed in restoring razors.

OTOH lapping film is pretty good, and very cheap. Kinda hard not to recommend trying it.

Phil

If the OP is looking for a quick setup, then lapping film is by far the easiest. Coti's have a learning curve and some don't like the edge they give. They may be one-stop-shopping but only for the obsessed. ;-}

I also like Norton 4/8k and then a diamond or CrO2 paddle to finish. I like the Coti, too, but it is not the first stone I break out if I'm honing more than one razor.

I own my fair share of stones but I've consumed the lapping film Kool-Aid. It is the easiest to master. Cheap. Heck... you could buy a Coti and if you get it tax free, buy lapping film for what you would pay in taxes for a Coti.

**Pkrankow** · 07-27-2012, 02:38 PM

Originally Posted by ladykate

If the OP is looking for a quick setup, then lapping film is by far the easiest. Coti's have a learning curve and some don't like the edge they give. They may be one-stop-shopping but only for the obsessed. ;-}

I guess I am obsessed.

Phil

**SliceOfLife** · 07-27-2012, 11:59 PM

Of course, I own a 40x40mm coticule along with a barbers union book that shows he used it for several decades, and it shows no wear. Unless you're using your coti to reset dozens of bevels daily (I've done it, and it does wear soft ones down a bit), you'll never wear it out on razors. They will last CENTURIES used as a touch-up hone. In comparison I think I saw someone recently say in a thread here that one of their films was ready to replace (I think it was their "pink" one, which was 1 or 0.1 if I recall?) after 13? uses. So yes, films are cheaper. Just as paper plates (even the heavy duty ones you can reuse if you feel so inclined) are cheaper than China. Not saying film isn't a great option (I've seen Seraphims 400x edges and they are impressive). But pitching it as the "cheap" long term option seems backwards. It may be cheaper a year in or ten years in. But at some point it's going to pass an affordable option like a reasonable coticule. Maybe it won't pass a $1000 jnat in your lifetime, but a $40-100 coticule? I'd bet it will. Assuming of course you stop at one.

Originally Posted by ladykate

If the OP is looking for a quick setup, then lapping film is by far the easiest. Coti's have a learning curve and some don't like the edge they give. They may be one-stop-shopping but only for the obsessed. ;-}

I also like Norton 4/8k and then a diamond or CrO2 paddle to finish. I like the Coti, too, but it is not the first stone I break out if I'm honing more than one razor.

I own my fair share of stones but I've consumed the lapping film Kool-Aid. It is the easiest to master. Cheap. Heck... you could buy a Coti and if you get it tax free, buy lapping film for what you would pay in taxes for a Coti.