lapping the Norton4k/8k

[wansmith]

Hi there,
How often do you need to lap the norton 4k/8k hone? can this be done with sandpaper? Also, what is the average lifetime of this hone?
Cheers,
Rohan

[DwarvenChef]

It really depends on how you use it. If your only honing razors, and not many at a time it, may stay flat a while. I use mine for both kitchen knives and razors so I flatten after every use/session depending on what I'm doing.

I'm not sure if they have fix'd the issue with the 4k (white side) stone, but mine is SOFT. But razors shouldn't be an issue with this, AS steel on the other hand....

With normal use this hone should last you a LONG time. I have had mine about a year now and I've only gone through about 1/4 of it, So I may need to replace it in another year or so. I'm sure my 4k side will be gone by than...

[bjrn]

A quarter was more than I would have though. But that's with quite heavy use then with all the knives compared to just using it for razors, right?

[dave5225]

I use 600 grit wet/dry paper on a piece of 1/4" plate glass to lap mine .

[DwarvenChef]

A quarter was more than I would have though. But that's with quite heavy use then with all the knives compared to just using it for razors, right?

I would think if your using just razors it would last quit a while. I think Lynn or any other honemeister could give a good account of how it lasts with just razor traffic.