Thread: need hone info.

looking at getting a hone. a popular choice seems to be a 4000/8000 grit for about 100 bucks. however there is a hone that is 4000 grit only on srd for about 50. do u really need the 8000 grit side? any info regarding this would be greatly appreciated

I prefer having both grits. The 4 to sharpen and the 8 to refine and polish. If you go to the SRP Wiki and check out the honing section's tutorial on pyramids it is an effective way for honing especially while learning. It recommends a 4/8 .

so when u use the 8000 grit side does it do more polishing than actual sharpening?

In my search I think I found that Craftsman Studio has a good deal on the 4/8k combo: Norton Waterstones

That is unless you can find one used.

Originally Posted by Kropy90

so when u use the 8000 grit side does it do more polishing than actual sharpening?

That's my understanding, 4K sharpens and 8K polishes, at least that's the simplified version.

Now, when you say "polish," are you saying simply shining up the steel? As in, so it looks good, not dull? If that's the case, you mean that it serves no functional purpose to use the 8K? I'm a newbie, only been stropping about a week, never honed, so I have no idea on the subject, just wondering if I'm reading your comments right. Thanks for the help.

It is both polishing and refining the edge off of the previous grit. It improves the sharpness. If you were to try and get it sharp with the 8k only it you would have a full beard by the time it was shave ready . So it is adding to the already sharp edge and making it sharper yet and giving it what will be a smoother feel when it gets to the shave. Lot of tutorials in the SRP Wiki in the toolbar above on the left side.

Oh, I see. Thanks, Jimmy.