Some Thoughts on Synths
Synthetic stones are excellent options for honing straight razors, especially when needing to remove chips and/or reworking poorly done bevel-geometry. Additionally, high-grit synthetics can be good finishers, but that will be another section.
Synthetic stones impart a certain type of sterility to an edge – they also have a tendency to cut deep and narrow scratches into the steel. I don’t know if this has any effect on edge longevity, or whatever – but I do sense that edges done start-finish on Japanese natural stones are smoother and often keener. While I realize that statement can only be completely subjective, in an objective sense – it’s what I know as my truth.
Synthetic stones are fast and they save time. The 1k-ish stones I use are usually very consistent, so removing their scratch pattern is fairly simple most of the time. The process I go through may seem ludicrous and unnecessary to many people, but it works for me.
I use the 1k-ish stone to rework the blade’s geometry and to get the bevel ‘set’. Occasionally I will use 3k and 5k synthetics after that. Whatever the case - I always follow the synths with an extended Nagura session.
I’ll close with these 3 thoughts;
There is no right or wrong, whatever works - works.
There are only preferences, proficiency, techniques and skill-sets.
There are many ways to the top of the mountain.
Synthetic Whetstones
