Thread: Newbie buying list need suggestions.

Originally Posted by Geo411m

no, I didn't by the test blade yet. I only planned on getting it if/when I was ready to learn honing.

Don't. Learning to hone on a lousy razor will probably be more detrimental than helpful.

I'd suggest getting an inexpensive one from the SRP classifieds. You can take a shot at eBay or a local antique store as well, but that's a bit riskier when you're starting out and not sure what to look for.

EDIT: There are currently three razors on the first page of the classifieds for $40 or less.

Also, to answer your original question, I'd also suggest looking at either a good barber's hone or a pasted strop/paddle for in-between as those are both relatively inexpensive. When I decided to buy some stones, I went with a Naniwa 1k, Norton 4k/8k combo, Naniwa 12k and a DMT 325 for lapping. I also have a strop pasted with chromium oxide. I don't have a basis for comparison but I'm happy with the hones I purchased. The Naniwas work well (and great prices from SRD) and there is a ton of information about the Nortons.