Thread: Norton 4000/8000..What if it cost more?

I've been hearing good things about the DMT8EE, things like "cuts as fast as the norton 4k, but as fine as the 8k". I've got one on the way because these guys: http://www.craftsmanstudio.com/html_p/T!D8.htm have them for less than I got my 4k/8k and since it's diamond it should outlast the norton (not that I'll live to see that day, but it's the principle).

I'll have to experiment and report back, but if the rumors are true, the DMT already wins for convenience because there's no flipping the stone, no soaking, no lapping, no possible chipping/breaking. And if the performance is even close to what it should be, it's a done deal.

But I'll keep both either way.

Originally Posted by Russel Baldridge

I've been hearing good things about the DMT8EE, things like "cuts as fast as the norton 4k, but as fine as the 8k".

I have only heard that from one guy from B&B, so maybe you should take that with a grain of salt until you find out for yourself. DMT makes great products, so it will likely be a very nice stone. Please let us know about your experiences with it and how it compares to the Norton.

Originally Posted by heavydutysg135

I have only heard that from one guy from B&B, so maybe you should take that with a grain of salt until you find out for yourself. DMT makes great products, so it will likely be a very nice stone. Please let us know about your experiences with it and how it compares to the Norton.

Yeah, I wouldn't have paid full price for it since there isn't a huge movement in it's favor but I figured I should give it a try because it's on sale (HAD strikes again). I always enjoy a good experiment though, and it arrived today so we'll see how they compare.

And even if it isn't the best for razors, I have many other tools and knives that would benefit from that level of finish, so it won't go to waste either way.

All this talk is scaring me.....I will say nothing in fear of getting banned

Originally Posted by iron maiden

All this talk is scaring me.....I will say nothing in fear of getting banned

Don't be scared.

Chris L

OK Chris....here goes my humble opinion

I think it is a good stone...obviously it has to be or it wouldn't have withstood the test of time this long. Considering men here are willing to pay huge amounts for razors, I doubt a buck fitty would be too much for a hone.

I'm looking to get one ordered...but I sure hope they don't get more expensive

The DMT 8EE is a great hone, it does not need to be lapped and is quick to put on an edge. Combined with a 4 sided strop and diamond pastes, it does quick work of any razor that does not have major problems and needs to be honed by a pro. This combo makes it possible to do light honing and quick sharpening in a minimum amount of time, something I do not have a lot of.

Later,
Richard Adams

Agreed. My, still limited, experience with the D8EE has been pleasant, took an old W&B wedge from a 1200 to the D8EE with no problems, left an edge comparable to that of the norton, if just a little harsh. I finished the edge on a Chinese 12k and CrO paste, and couldn't have been happier unless the edge had come from an entirely natural stone (which the norton is not either).

If the norton doubled in price, and the D8EE stayed at it's current price, I'd have no problem recommending it whole heartedly. But since they are at a similar price level, I say do your own research and weigh the factors, either one will get you where you want to go.

Wait a bit and as the dollar fails, everything will increase in price. (None of the Nortons are now made within our borders so this is an inevitability) Whether they will reach the cost touted earlier is unknown, but all things will cost many much more, soon.

So what's this line in the sand over which one can step to cause the wrath of the administrators/moderators to descend so hard as to become a persona non grata? It's possible that I'm sidling up to it unknowingly closely with my various pithy observations and should ask counsel of the drawers in sand to learn line locations.

As always, all help is greatly appreciated. As always also, honing advice available for the unaware. Milk dipped bricks sold cheap.