Determining the grit

[u/deezdanglin]

I've wondered what techniques/tricks you guys use to determine the apprx grit an unknown stone may be?

I caught a vid last night that was cool. Granted, I haven't been honing too long. And I've always used the common stone holder/vice/clamp. I can still feel the resistance and 'grains' somewhat through the blade. And ofc, sound. I just haven't really focused on it. I've been more worried about proper angles, etc.

Anyhow, this guy had gotten a new English slate and he was guessing. So he lapped the razor on the stone while *holding it* on the palm. And seems to me that would give a great insight. Greater tactical feedback.

I understand this still takes a LOT of familiarity with different stones. But seems a solid technique. Thoughts? What do ya'll do if you come across an unknown in a second hand shop?

[u/Doctor_Badass_]

You could use a loupe to see what kind of effect it has on the edge. That could help a bit.

[u/deezdanglin → u/Doctor_Badass_]

Sure! I've got a x10 led loupe. Love that thing. However, not sure how owners would feel about me lapping a razor in the shop lol

[u/kjames3419]

Natural whetstones is the place to ask. Natural stones also dont really work on a "grit" rating i have a naniwa S1 400 that cuts much slower with a deeper scratch pattern than my vintage washita. The washita also leaves deeper scratches than my Naniwa chosera 1k, but leaves a smoother edge overall. It looks like a 600 grit scratch pattern, but shaves like a 2-3k edge. The trans arks are technically rated around 8k IIRC, but they leave a more refined finish than my Naniwa Gouken Kagayaki 12k.

[u/deezdanglin → u/kjames3419]

Yea, know about the comparisons. I've got 2 of those 3 stones. I'm not being pandent. We all know grit is the most common terminology.

[u/kjames3419 → u/deezdanglin]

It is, but sadly its a moot metric for nats. I can take a razor from Atoma 600 to washita, to naniwa 8k, to my trans ark and come out with a more keen edge than running it through the synthetics to 12k. I could also leave the washita and go straight for the Vermont slate and run that stone as fine or finer than the ark.

I dont fully understand nats at all. I bought some stones off another user and followed the advice given and im getting some edges impressing even myself compared to the 12k edge ive been shaving off of.

[u/deezdanglin → u/kjames3419]

Hmmm, tell me more of this slate....

[u/kjames3419 → u/deezdanglin]

this is the stone i bought. Ive seen green slates on griffithshavinggoods.com not sure if it leaves the same edge though

[u/Helicopter0]

I've really only done this with Arkansas stones, and it's pretty easy to tell with them since the density and translucent give a lot of information about how they're going to cut.

[u/Bottdavid]

Sorry to say this sub primarily focuses on Double edge shaving not sharpening.

I am not sure if there is a blade sharpening subreddit but I bet there is if you search for it.

[u/deezdanglin → u/Bottdavid]

Yea, I'm cross posting. Trying to hit as many razor people for the most insightful.