Tony
Well-Known Member
I recently acquired a couple of Zulu grey whetstones, I have never used one before and always find it fun to try a new hone. The Zulu grey was a hit on the SRP forum a few years back and quite a few stones were bought by the members. You don’t read much about them nowadays but they don’t come for sale either.
this is what the Zulu Grey seller says about his hones
There is no definitive grit number we can assign to the Zulu Grey as it is a natural hone, however many experienced users have estimated grit ratings from 12-15k+, but really these sorts of figures are not at all scientific, nor very useful when talking about natural honing stones. Each hone will be slightly different from the next, and natural hones in general will always perform in different ways with different types of steel. The Zulu Grey is nonetheless a ‘finishing stone’ in the truest sense of the term. It will improve or smooth the shaving edge off of an 8000 -12000 grit synthetic stone. Some users will even go to the Zulu Grey after a 16000 grit Shapton GS, as they find it smooths out the crispness of the edge left by the Shapton. The Zulu Grey is an honest, authentic natural product that works exceptionally well as a finishing stone for straight razors.
A slurry may be formed on the stone to help speed up the cutting ability if required. To do this one may use either a Zulu Grey Slurry Stone or a medium to fine grit, well-worn diamond plate (credit card sized is perfect). The stone will work well with either plain water or a thin honing oil. Remember though, that the stone is slightly porous and if using oil, then the stone is best dedicated to the continued use of oil.
The Zulu Grey is wholly unique amongst other natural honing stones from around the world, and quite simply cannot be found anywhere else. A humble grey stone holding within it the beauty and strength of Africa prepared in the earth millions of years ago for you to use, cherish and pass down to generations to come.
.—————-.
I have been testing some gold dollar razors on them to see how they perform. I also checked some threads on some of the forums and found that after an 8k synthetic using some slurry diluting it to water is the way that works best for them.
This is about the same way I use my Jnats and Thuringer hones.
Are these Zulu grey any beter ?
No, the are probably a little slower but I like the edges.
at the moment I’m refreshing all my razors with a light slurry and water when they come up in the daily rotation.
this is what the Zulu Grey seller says about his hones
There is no definitive grit number we can assign to the Zulu Grey as it is a natural hone, however many experienced users have estimated grit ratings from 12-15k+, but really these sorts of figures are not at all scientific, nor very useful when talking about natural honing stones. Each hone will be slightly different from the next, and natural hones in general will always perform in different ways with different types of steel. The Zulu Grey is nonetheless a ‘finishing stone’ in the truest sense of the term. It will improve or smooth the shaving edge off of an 8000 -12000 grit synthetic stone. Some users will even go to the Zulu Grey after a 16000 grit Shapton GS, as they find it smooths out the crispness of the edge left by the Shapton. The Zulu Grey is an honest, authentic natural product that works exceptionally well as a finishing stone for straight razors.
A slurry may be formed on the stone to help speed up the cutting ability if required. To do this one may use either a Zulu Grey Slurry Stone or a medium to fine grit, well-worn diamond plate (credit card sized is perfect). The stone will work well with either plain water or a thin honing oil. Remember though, that the stone is slightly porous and if using oil, then the stone is best dedicated to the continued use of oil.
The Zulu Grey is wholly unique amongst other natural honing stones from around the world, and quite simply cannot be found anywhere else. A humble grey stone holding within it the beauty and strength of Africa prepared in the earth millions of years ago for you to use, cherish and pass down to generations to come.
.—————-.
I have been testing some gold dollar razors on them to see how they perform. I also checked some threads on some of the forums and found that after an 8k synthetic using some slurry diluting it to water is the way that works best for them.
This is about the same way I use my Jnats and Thuringer hones.
Are these Zulu grey any beter ?
No, the are probably a little slower but I like the edges.
at the moment I’m refreshing all my razors with a light slurry and water when they come up in the daily rotation.
