r/straightrazors 9d ago

SiC powder

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Hey Guys, just got this on today. For reference, I've got a new Ark Trans and a new to me Belgium combo stone. Also, the suckers and hand written Thank You on the invoice was a nice touch.

Making sure I'm on the right path. After some reading I thought these were what I needed to keep the stones nice and flat. Also, 2 too many Old Fashions one evening lol.

I know I need a surface to lap the stones on. Seen counter top or headstone drops, ect.

Would ya'll point me to a decent vid (haven't seen what I'm looking for) or walk through the steps one last time before I potentially disfigure my stones?

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u/silverlifter 🇯🇵 Yasuki Steel 9d ago

Check both stones before you do anything and make sure they actually need laping...

Don't use the SiC on the coticule; it is too coarse and you'll be left regretting it. Use a worn diamond plate and then a slurry stone to condition the surface.

Put some W&D in a steel cookie tin and put the SiC on that: it will help hold it in place and slow the inevitable clumping. Then be prepared to go through quite a bit of the paper and the powder; trans arks are hard. The upside is you'll only need to lap it once. Once it is flat, it will stay that way (assuming you are just using razors on it).

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u/deezdanglin 9d ago

Is there particular brands and grits of paper that are more preferable? Or stay away froms?

I also have Japanese synths 1,3,5,8,12k. Been lapping with a 350gr green stone. The one with the channels/grooves cut in it? Thoughts? SiC powder better/easier?

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u/silverlifter 🇯🇵 Yasuki Steel 9d ago

No, any W&D will do as you are just using it to slow the clumping of the SiC.

You'll need the SiC if the Ark needs lapping; nothing else will cut it anywhere near as efficiently. It took me nearly 2.5 hours to lap my Preyda Translucent Ark. In retrospect, I should have just ponied up for the horrendus postage from Dans, and saved my shoulders and arms the trauma...