King 1k $16.26 Unknown 3k/8k $15.97 Welsh Slate Stones 8k 12k 15k $104.83 Not fancy, but it works. I forgot, also a Norton lapping stone $31.94 . The Norton lapping stone isn't a necessity, but it is less messy than breaking out the granite tile and sandpaper, each time I hone several razors. That totals $137.06 delivered. Norton flattening stone was not included. The strops I have were not included. I went with an Illinois 827, around $32.
Funny Billy. If I was any good with Lapping Film, I would have gone that route. I am frugal, and I do resemble the cartoon, a little. Shorter hair, and a little more bulked up.
Your setup is what I went with after wanting to move beyond my initial low cost setup. The Naniwa stones were not the magic bullet that I thought it would be from my "starter" hones, but it definitely improved the results of my efforts. The low cost stones got me started while I got comfortable learning SR shaving.
I also use the granite tile and sandpaper. I use some wet/dry 220 grit paper and a piece of a granite tile. It works just fine in flattening the stones.
I use 400 grit sandpaper on a tile as well. It's probably slower, but it leaves a nice finish on the stones. I would like to be proficient, but don't really plan on making it a hobby....got to many of those already
I found that 320 worked the best with my Welsh stones, it let the stones cut, and didn't polish them out. Try a lower grit and see it it changes the characteristics any.
On the Topic of Lapping Film..Its a Great System for Learning to Hone..A Naniwa 1 K Stone for Bevel Setting or 15 Micron Diamond Film for Bevel Setting..The 15 Micron Diamond Film Actually Cuts Far Faster then a Naniwa 1 K Stone..Progression...Chromium Oxide Film..12 Micron, 9 Micron, 5 Micron, 3 Micron & 1 Micron Finisher..The Chro Ox Film is Far Smoother for a Progression.. Billy..
On that note: I have had very good results with the 1 micron following the 8K norton. What are your thoughts with following the film with the arkansas stone?
A micron is a unit of measurement, in this context it is applied to particle size. Honing stones are often measured in grit. Here is a handy conversion chart:
I have access to to an Arkie transleucent 1"x3" (2.5 x 5cm). Is that too small to work with? If I get a bench size stone its $$$$
So would this work? I wonder how many sharpening sessions you could get out if it? Jayaruh Owners Club (JROC)
Keep in mind those sheets of lapping film are tiny. I like to use 2.5"x6" sheets. You can get full size sheets on ebay for $1. Check out this seller: http://stores.ebay.com/networktoolsandsupplies/Polish-Film-Supplies-/_i.html?_fsub=1967329015
Good Question..1 Micron Film is Around a 16 K Synthetic Grit..When its Worn In or Used on a Cushion ( Paper) its around 20 K Grit..The Arkie will Pick Up that Edge & Refine it All the Way to Hell N Back..No Kiddin..Oh Yeah..I Mean..Big Time.. Billy..