Been searching the internet to try and find a vendor for the Chinese 12k and not having any luck in that department. Anyone have links to vendors who offer this stone? Getting a little HAD. Thanks!
I have not heard good things about these Chinese Slate stones. But, I have experience with Welsh Slate Stones, and they work well.
Yes, AJ . They work well. But, they work better when a slurry stone is used. Buy a lapping plate to create slurry, with the slurry stones supplied, or buy some good Japanese Naguras.
Griffith Shaving Goods offers a Vermont green slate that’s gotten some good remarks. But full disclosure, I have not tried one.
The slurry stones that come with it were very difficult to make a slurry. Before I broke down and purchased a lapping plate to make the slurry, I acquired a few good Nagura slurry stones. Then I purchased a lapping plate. I havent tried doing the lapping plate with the provided Welsh Slurry Stones, because the Naguras work so well. But I have been told the Welsh Slurry Stones work well. One I really like using, to start out the finishing stones is a Japanese Mud Stone. It is jet black and works really well, to help remove the initial scratches from setting the bevel. Plus, they are really inexpensive, and easy to find on ebay. Call on @Steve56 , he is the resident guru on Japanese stones and Naguras.
Well you got me on the Welsh Slates. Pulled the trigger on the 6 x 2 trio set. The size I’m used to so, eh why not. Got some advice from @Steve56 and looking into Nagura too. What a hole this hobby is. Lol
You will like them, just understand they aren't the fastest stones. Most of the times I will take it a step further, and either finish a razor off with either an Arkansas Surgical Black, or a Eschers Thuringian. But, a good Thuringian is hard to come by, unless you want to donate a good amount of money to the seller.
Pretty flat, but need a little lapping. Depending on how much time you have, you can either lap one, or both sides. The best way I found, is to use Silicon Carbide powders and a flat tile.. Start with low grit, and work to a higher grit. I obtained a few granite tiles, from a tile store. 18 inch squares. . This is very inexpensive, and will shave hours, or days off of lapping, depending on the stone. Much much faster than wet/dry sandpaper. This method is almost a must with Arkansas Stones. Especially the Surgical Black. Start with 180 grit, and work up to around 1000-1200. A little powder goes a long way, so dont order much. Also, get from a reputable place, so the higher grit isnt contaminated with a couple of lower grit grains. This can be frustrating.
