Thread: Equipment Needed

Yes, skip the 12k stone. I've never used it but I'm thinking you may be able to maintain your razors with the shapton only. Still I think it's a good idea to pick up the norton even if as a learning tool only. If you end up not needing it in the long run, you shouldn't have problem reselling it and recovering some of it's cost. You can use sandpaper to flatten the hones (not sure about the shapton), but I find DMT8C much better.

I'd skip the paddle strop as well. They seem quite redundant in addition to the norton and shapton. In fact I'd venture to say that the shapton won't make any difference until you can get a razor to shave well with the norton. But then, again, if you have the budget and want it, may as well pick it up along with the norton.

And yes, you most certainly want to hone in x-pattern even on a wide hone.