Stone for honing

[tommytman]

I’ve looked at many options for honing stones for razors.
Would a 12000 be enough to keep a good razor in good condition? Or will I need a lower grit also?

 

[gadgetgeek]

12k is a good finisher, you would want something like an 8k for the initial bevel setting, and 4k for restore. So to answer your question, if you have a good razor and just need touch-ups then a 12k is going to do just fine. I'd say just hone as soon as you find the strop not doing enough, since you will need to do a bit more work than if you also had an 8k. So long as it's nicely lapped, it should serve you very well. Each stone type will have a slightly different cutting profile, you will still have to see how yours works out, but if it still shaves, 12k should be enough to really get it singing again.

 

[tommytman]

Thank you.

 

[CSG]

One of the reasons I don't use a straight. I just can't be bothered with the maintenance. And even with one at 100%, it won't shave any better than most DE razors with a fresh blade.