Hones? Moving from new beginner to small experienced beginner. Honemiesters please!
I have purchased several razors. Glen has sharpened some of them for me so I have felt a real edge on my face (for reference). I'm really wanting to learn how to hone and I have a razor to "learn" with and several that are in need of sharpening before first use. I'm also going to try to do make it to a meet up this year....
My real question is what is generally accepted as the needed items for starting to hone? How many stones/what grits? Do I need a slurry stone? Chinese, naniwa, shaptons, zulus, or norton, Whats a good starter brand? Is a good starter to buy sets like SRD Naniwa 5k 8k 12k pack? Would I need more than that? Or other alternatives?
What I'm wanting is mainly to be able to maintain good edges myself. I do buy vintage razors but I try not to buy ones with big chips or anything that really requires grinding down a big part of the blade. Most will just need a new edge or a maintenance edge. Maybe a occasional bevel reset.
Sorry that this is so many questions in one. I've been reading around but most of the discussion seems to be from people with a bit of experience and it goes over my head. I haven't found anyone talking about starting from the ground up yet with much thoroughness, and I feel like I'm only getting more confused where to begin. Price wise I'll looking to try to stay in the neighborhood of $200. I do realize that there is some preference in this but I imagine that there is also general consensus as to good beginner stuff. Thank you all for any input.