Okay, I know this particular Japanese synthetic comes up in discussion as well as in postings—but I thought I'd pose some questions for you guys who 'hone your own' about what you think of this stone... If you currently own and use one, I'd like to hear your impressions on it. Does the SG20k do meet or exceed your expectations as a finisher? Assuming your experience is positive, would you hesitate buy one again? What was your finisher prior to acquiring the SG20k? Was the difference on the edge noticeable when you introduced the SG20k? Do you feel your got 'your money's worth' in the investment (i.e. are the results you get worthy of the investment?) What is the drawback (if there is one) in using the SG20k? If you are considering one… Why? What is your current finisher? What are your expectations on using the SG20k? I fall into the second camp of considering one for my finishing purposes. I currently use a Naniwa SS progression (Either the Chosera 1k or Naniwa SS 1k; then progress through the SS stones (3k, 5k, 8k, 10k,) and either finish with the SS 12k or at times I'll use natural stone finishers (the Apace strata or Escher waterstone). I get some very keen and smooth edges off the SS 12k— probably in the 'HHT4' range— if I had to use that particular test as reference. Why look further? The elusive chase for the sharpest, smoothest edge! the question is: what would be my return on the investment? A keener edge? maybe. Bragging rights? Hardly. But I am interested in hearing from others….
Kevin I considered one but my Naniwa 12K seems to get a great shaving edge so I cannot see an advantage monetarily wise. I am curious now that you brought it up to see what others who have one can say. Thanks for posting this.
I consider one but can't justify the price when the 12k naniwa does an admirable job. I also have a coticule, a MST Mueller, PHIG and a Zulu gray but most of my honing ends on a 10k or 12k naniwa.
I'll take these in order. -Does the SG20k do meet or exceed your expectations as a finisher? By a long shot. - Assuming your experience is positive, would you hesitate buy one again? If mine suddenly disappeared, I'd have a replacement ordered tomorrow. - What was your finisher prior to acquiring the SG20k? Nakayama Karasu J-Nat. A truly beautiful stone. I sold it about two weeks after the arrival of the SG. - Was the difference on the edge noticeable when you introduced the SG20k? Not a huge difference in edge quality, but the SG is incredibly fast, forgiving, and a big time saver. I can put the finish on an edge with the SG in two minutes that would take me 15 minutes on my Nakayama. Easy to use, just like you would a Nanaiwa SS 12k, splash and go. - Do you feel your got 'your money's worth' in the investment (i.e. are the results you get worthy of the investment?) Absolutely. To finish an edge equal to the SG, I think your entering J-Nat territory. Not too many of those (good ones) at less than $300 USD. Plus, the SG has the added benefits I mentioned above, time savings, ease of use, forgiveness . - What is the drawback (if there is one) in using the SG20k? Aside from the initial expense, only that the cool J-Nat kids will try to make fun of you. But that's like: You're welcome for that.
You are going to have a very hard time beating the edge that is hiding in that one Apache of yours, it really doesn't mater how much you pay for a new stone.. That being said I have no room to talk as an extreme Hone Addict Personally I don't like the feedback of the G20k, it performs just fine, but like any other hone it gives back what you put in
Funny you mention this. One of the things I like about the SG is the feedback. It's "apparent", and to a guy who sometimes struggles with subtlety (me), it's good to feel the stone doing work. Diff'rnt strokes and all...
just send that old piece of rock to me. Actually I like the Apache after the naniwa 12k but I am not in the ballpark some of you pro honers. Jamie Mahoney swears by the Gukumyo and for that reason alone I may try one. I have really good luck with what I use so I don't know why I need to change lol
I have not used the Apache strata following the 12k yet…but methinks I'll give it a go with the next batch of razors.
It is advertised as being in the 10-12k range. Being a natural stone, it is difficult to pin-point the grit. The feel is quite comparable to the 12k and the Escher.