STR8 razor honing start up gear

Hi, All;

I'm planning my Xmas list and the time has come to go STR8. I've already been using a silvertip badger brush with good soap and creme (even uberlather) with a Mach III. Aside from the actual razor, I'd like to get some feedback on my plan for hones and strops that I will start out with.

I've watched several youtube videos on honing and stropping, including many of Lynn Abrams' videos. At first I was intimidated by the number of hones and slurry stones I thought I'd need just to be able to maintain a good edge. Now I think I've found a good package to get me started:

• Either Norton 4000/8000, or Naniwa 3000/8000 water stone
• Lynn Abrams modular paddle strop with .5um diamond spray

My thinking is that the combo water stone will keep the razor beveled and sharp, and the modular paddle strop with .5um diamond spray will put a very keen edge on the blade and keep it stopped effectively. This seems like a relatively simple and inexpensive solution.

Any feedback on this plan? Also, any feedback on whether the Norton or Naniwa combo stones are better?

Thanks,
djo

Welcome djo,
You can never go wrong with a 4/8, but before you lay money out, spend a few hours reading our Library section on honing, watching the videos; then use the "Advanced" search button, top right, enter key words of interest. This will give you threads on the topic, with a wealth of information to help you decide.

Enjoy the ride, djo.

Just two thoughts..I also bought the modular strop..I have not used it as it has not arrived yet but I felt it was a nice complete package so that you have as many bases covered in one shot..

Second you are going with the Norton set up..they have the four grit combo which is more cost effective because you also get the 220 and 1k stones as well with the flattening stone..
Once again looking at price and covering as many bases as needed. A 1k makes bevel setting easier..
Hope it helps and good luck.

I agree with aespo's advice on the Norton honing set up. I just invested in a Norton 4K/8K myself, and thought I was being thrifty just buying the one combo stone. Then when I went to hone I discovered that my stone wasn't flat and the edges of the stone needed to be rounded, so I dropped another $70 on a flattening stone. Then I found out that the two razors I was working on had double bevels, and I needed to totally reset the bevels. I was able to borrow a stone for that purpose from my uncle, who is a woodcarver, but in hindsight I would have been much better spending the extra money up front for the combo set. It is well worth your money if you want to hone.