Thread: Buying my first hone

Ok, after some pretty decent study, I'm just about to pull the trigger on the Norton 4K/8K and the DMT D8C 325 Grit to flatten the Norton. 2 questions that could save me some money, (to have more left over for razors).

1. I decided on the DMT instead of the Norton Flattening Stone. However, what purpose is the Norton Prep Stone used for? Different? Would you recommend it?

2. Are there any accessories I should pick up either for the Norton or the DMT (that way I won't have to pay extra shipping if I only find out after I ordered that I should have bought something else)?

Thanks again for all the help!

Mark

The DMT stand (stone holder) is very handy. Pricey at $20 but handy.

Thanks, where I ordered it it was only $12.50. craftsmanstudio.com had the best prices for the Norton 4K/8K and DMT D8C, so I went with them.

I've never used the Norton slurry stone and I don't recall anyone mentioning that they use it. It's an artificial stone which when used, would make a noticeable slurry similar to the natural slurry created by a nagura stone or other types of slurry stones. The idea is that it would hasten or enhance the stone's cutting ability by allowing for a higher concentration of free floating abrasives.

It would be a true statement to say that most people do not use the Norton slurry stone when honing with their 4000/8000.

Chris L

Originally Posted by Chrisl

I've never used the Norton slurry stone and I don't recall anyone mentioning that they use it. It's an artificial stone which when used, would make a noticeable slurry similar to the natural slurry created by a nagura stone or other types of slurry stones. The idea is that it would hasten or enhance the stone's cutting ability by allowing for a higher concentration of free floating abrasives.

It would be a true statement to say that most people do not use the Norton slurry stone when honing with their 4000/8000.

Chris L

That's what I gathered from my frantic research. With some luck, I'm about 9 days away from my first straight shave, but most likely 16 days (I'm not sure what the normal turnaround time is for someone to send out and receive back a honed razor). I'm going to go with the advice and get it honed by a master for my first shave, and then concentrate on practicing honing on the Norton.

The prep stone may have one very good function. That is to clean and "refresh" the cutting surface. I have not used that stone but before each honing session I lightly lap/refresh my Norton 4/8 with a 1000 grit stone under running water. It keeps my Norton clean and cutting very well each time. I do not think you want to buy a Norton 1000 grit but maybe you might want to.


Food for thought,

I think you are in good shape. In addition to the initial lapping, I use the DMT8C to refresh the Norton before each honing session and it works great.

If you have the available cash, I might recommend a yellow coticule for polishing after the 8K side of the Norton.