I can only speak about the templating. I had both kinds in my house as i used 2 different companies for 2 different areas and I cannot tell a difference -- seams are still tight, overhangs are perfect. I think its dependent on the company more than it is the templating. I've had friends with both kinds of templating and they each had troubles with it too. So again, i think its the person doing the templating that make sthe difference

RbK,

Check for my recent posting on my smudging issues with AB honed and replies. I just had it put in last week and was concerned w/ all the smudging. It looked pretty bad. Bottom line I got was 2 weeks w/ Method Daily Granite cleaner (Target) and I will have a patina of oil built up on the surface and won't see the smudges (or as much).

I posted earlier today on another thread about AB but forgot to say this - for about a week after ours was installed, the fingerprints and smudging were horrible - I have no idea why. I don't think I was even using Method granite cleaner at that point. After about a week or maybe two weeks, things seemed to "even out," with me wiping off the counter like I normally would after cooking or making a mess. It was like it had to get used to being in my house or something. More likely, the installer put something on it that took 2 weeks to wear off...

If you like the leather finish, please don't rule it out because you think stuff will get stuck. I have Cambrian Black granite with an antique/leather finish. We eat most meals at the island -- and my boys are pretty messy! -- and I do a lot of baking, rolling out directly on the counters, and nothing gets stuck. The texture is more like small dimples than crevices and it's no harder to clean than a perfectly smooth surface. I usually just wipe it with warm soapy water, but sometimes if there is something exceptionally oily (butter or oil spilled) I'll use a spray cleaner. Fingerprints do not show at all.

Plus, there are gorgeous little bits of coppery and silvery flecks, which might appeal to you if you like shiny bits.

I love my counters!!

This shows some of the shiny flecks:

(ps -- i'd rather be knitting too!!)

Thanks for the input everyone. Roulie, I love the leathered Cambria. Is it enhanced or sealed? What grade is Cambria Black? My KD gave me a sample of Black Pearl today and I'm kind of on the fence. Just to complicate matters further, he's also getting in a block of AB and Black Galaxy for me to look at. He also told me that he had a recent client get honed AB and they are now having problems with ring marks and regret getting it. I am so confused as to what to do. Both my husband and I really like some of the crazy laminates that are out there (there is even one that mimics soapstone). I'm halfway tempted to just go for a laminate but since we are not planning on being in this house 5-7 yrs from now I need to keep that future buyer in mind (granite is the norm in our neighborhood). What to do.....

rather be knitting, you said: "Both my husband and I really like some of the crazy laminates that are out there (there is even one that mimics soapstone). I'm halfway tempted to just go for a laminate but since we are not planning on being in this house 5-7 yrs from now I need to keep that future buyer in mind (granite is the norm in our neighborhood). What to do....."
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Others have expressed as you did, but my logical mind says who's to know what the norm is? Prospective buyers won't be seeing many other homes in your neighborhood when looking at yours. Buy what YOU love.

Financial restraints have me getting laminate, and I know I'm going to love it. Looking at Wilsonart Oiled Soapstone and Wilsonart Luna Night (and a bunch of others). Talk about gorgeous! The Luna Night reminds me of the Absolute Black I used as a fireplace surround in my last home.

Happy choosing,
Rosie, Sugar Hill, GA

Those are both gorgeous. I especially like the luna night.

I have a granddaughter named Luna, so I had to see the Luna Series. Samples hopefully will arrive today.

Keep us informed, k?

Rosie