Thread: Does anyone have experience with manandshaving.nl?

Originally Posted by DoubleB

I'm guessing he uses a coticule, based on the pictures on the website. That's purely hypothetical though and not based on any solid evidence.



Norton's are really hard to come by in Europe. You will probably end up buying the overseas, with high shipping costs and customs declarations to follow. In my opinion you're better of with a Naniwa 3/8K combo. Pretty easy to come by in Europe, about the same price as the Norton and, again in my opinion, Naniwa's leave a better edge.

I have a naniwa 12k and it is a fine stone. I'm sure the 3/8 will serve you well. I use Norton because they are popular and readily available here. I can't see you going wrong with that.

Originally Posted by bill3152

I would purchase a hone, at least a Norton 4/8 or comparable. I and many others have destroyed our first edges by improper stropping. The beauty for me is that I can get the edge whenever I want and as others have said exactly to the sharpness you want. If I had to mail a straight razor and wait for it to come back a week or so, I wouldn't use one. But that's my opinion, obviously you should do whatever you are comfortable doing. The hones will save you money in the end. Its a learning curve but I think most people would be able to hone after a few weeks. The narrow strop in my opinion is a waste of money. If you're trying to get in cheap, I think you will be disappointed. But again I'm not an expert just a relatively new shaver/honer who is enjoying this immensely. Good luck.

Dude, I have about 10 coticules, and DMTs in 4 different grits for the rougher work, apart from some odd other stones. What I mean is, I do have enough hones and I know by now how to use them. It's just the time I lack. I have currently roughly 50 unhoned razors but sadly not enough time.

But thanks for the advice anyway !

Like stated above, the Norton 4k/8k probably is to be found in more stores; I got mine at Classic Hand Tools
Also buy a DMT 325 for lapping the stones, I too found out it's essential.

As a finisher you can't go wrong with a 12k Naniwa SS. They don't sell those however.
This is where I got mine: Naniwa Chosera Stones
It is a lot of money, but hey, the good stuff always is.

Paulj you linked to the chosera stones which are more expensive than the super stones.
There's a branch of the Eden shops in the Netherlands.

My personal preference is a combination of DMTs (at least the extra fine) and a coticule. For the rougher work cheap diamond hones can be found on ebay.