Thread: Help with a hone

I am considering the purchase of a hone. My plan is to look at purchasing a Norton 4000/8000 water stone. My question is do I need to purchase a stone like a 1200 grit stone to finish or would a 4000/800 Norton get a razor shave ready?

Thanks for any help you can provide

Honestly, I think you'll be fine with just the 4k/8k. Even on this forum that was the recommended "medicine" for a razor for quite some time. After that, your stropping technique can, IMHO, even out the differences between a good 8k edge and one a good deal finer, but if you must, there are always more and more options like that.
Chase those if you must, but you can get an excellent edge with nothing but a 4k/8k and a strop, IMHO.

John P.

+1 on that! JohnP has it spot on. Be sure to read the section on how to lap a hone in the FAQ.

Originally Posted by randydance062449

+1 on that! JohnP has it spot on. Be sure to read the section on how to lap a hone in the FAQ.

+ 1 on the lapping. Lapping the hone make a big difference in my edges.

Do most stones need to be lapped out of the box? Should I consider purchasing a norton lapping stone along with the 4000/8000 sharpening stone?

Originally Posted by Denverrazr

Do most stones need to be lapped out of the box? Should I consider purchasing a norton lapping stone along with the 4000/8000 sharpening stone?

Yes they will need lapped out of the box. My norton 4k/8k was no where near flat when I got it. I've heard mixed reviews about the norton lapping stone but have never used one myself. I do all of my lapping with a DMT D8C and it seems to do a very nice job. I think I paid around 35 bucks for the DMT. But I am very new to honeing also. I'm sure someone with more knowledge will help you soon.

Originally Posted by Denverrazr

Do most stones need to be lapped out of the box? Should I consider purchasing a norton lapping stone along with the 4000/8000 sharpening stone?

+ 1
All hones need to be lapped out of the box. In fact, I highly recommend that you use your DMT8C before each honing session after soaking the 4K/8K. You see the Norton will have worn a little during the last session and will swell a bit differently based on that wear. At least that seems to be my experience. YMMV and all that...

Anyone have experience with the Norton lapping stone? Also, any suggestions on where to purchase the DMT8C if I'm looking to buy one or the other. I can find the Norton but not the DMT8C.

Thanks in advance for help.

The best deal on stones has got to be the Norton set the 220/1k & 4k/8k and the lapping stone for usually $118 you can do just about anything with the set...
The Norton lapping stone works just fine, just follow the directions with it...

There are tons of opinions on what stone is the best etc: etc: but at this price point it is hard to beat the Norton set...

And I'm a Shapton lover to boot...

You can get a fine shaving edge off the Norton 8k and a .50 Cr or diamond pasted strop...
Add a finishing stone of 12k or over later down the line if you catch HAD like most of us have...

Originally Posted by Denverrazr

Anyone have experience with the Norton lapping stone? Also, any suggestions on where to purchase the DMT8C if I'm looking to buy one or the other. I can find the Norton but not the DMT8C.

Thanks in advance for help.

Try http://www.theperfectedge.com , His name is Howard and he is a member here. Good guy.