Thread: norton starter set

Instead of the quarter set from Whipped Dog, I decided to just get the Norton 4000/8000 combo stone, along with a DMT 325 for lapping and restore/bevel setting. If I can't set a bevel with the 4k, I do it with light pressure on the DMT.

I also recently purchased a ~15k Welsh slate stone from AJ on eBay, and it works wonderfully. Truly great, smooth shaves when I finish my blades on it. I am extremely happy I stumbled upon his listings when I was looking for a finisher. Saved me nearly $50 because I was originally going to go with a Naniwa 12k. Now that this Welsh stone works so well, I don't see the point in bothering getting the Nani.

So while the quarter set seems like a good idea, it really isn't when it comes to what you get and the inconvenient size of them. I'm glad I listened to folks on here when I posed the same question. Still love Larry though. Anyway, the Norton lapping stone is sort of a joke I see according to reviews, and how often would you use the 220 stone for restore work? Seems like a better value overall to get exactly what you need with a good lapping plate such as the DMT 325 (which can be used to lap any stone I'm assuming) along with the trusted Norton 4k/8k. Then once you master shaving off of the 8k grit, find a well priced finishing stone, such as a vintage coticule, Chinese 12k (a good one, not a fluke), or a Welsh slate stone. I really feel that the guy on eBay (AJ I believe his name is) is right on the money with the product he is selling. Mine works amazingly and his reviews are outstanding. And he'll give you a good deal if you message him. I got just the 6"x2" ~15k grit stone along with a small slurry stone (which works well to build up a milky slurry) for only $30 shipped. He was wanting $85 shipped for the set of 3 different grit stones. With shipping from the UK for a friggin' somewhat heavy stone, that is an amazing deal. I strongly recommend everyone try at least one and see what they think.

Seriously Ed I'd HIGHLY recommend a Norton 4/8 and a Shapton 16k. In fact, if you're short on funds at the moment I'd get a Shapton 16k first, and the 4/8 later. Seriously, you can bring the edges back with as few as TEN laps on the Shapton; and no soaking required.

The Swedish razor that's on holiday at your place would need 20 laps (make sure you tape the spine).

I hardly ever resort to using the 8k (only for razors I've purchased that were dull). Generally in that instance I did a 4/8 pyramid. I'll be labelled as a butcher for saying this, but I use 800 grit wet and dry wrapped around the Norton stone to set a bevel when I need to.

I got my hones from Straight Razor Designs a couple of years ago. I notice the Shapton 16k is 130 USD at the moment and the Norton 4/8 is 80 bucks.

The welsh stones seems like a great price. Is it really that good? Anyone else has any input?

My input is this: It's Welsh! It has to be good!


Mick

Originally Posted by thepiggysentme

The welsh stones seems like a great price. Is it really that good? Anyone else has any input?

I can't speak for the other grits, but the one AJ estimates to be around 15k is truly a great finisher. I am extremely pleased with it. Just look at his reviews on eBay- he mainly sells these Welsh stones and everybody raves about them.

Originally Posted by Chreees

I can't speak for the other grits, but the one AJ estimates to be around 15k is truly a great finisher. I am extremely pleased with it. Just look at his reviews on eBay- he mainly sells these Welsh stones and everybody raves about them.

Thats the one he gies no name, right? 15+? I'll pn him since he doesnt have a listing for just that stone. Thanks!

Originally Posted by thepiggysentme

Thats the one he gies no name, right? 15+? I'll pn him since he doesnt have a listing for just that stone. Thanks!

Right. Just message him on eBay and he will sell it separately. Let me know how you like it when you get it, if you do decide to get it. I'd love to have someone else to talk to about it, lol.

That's the one I'm thinking of buying as well !
Link:Large 8"X 3" V Fine 15K Slate Sharpening Stone Razor Hone Planes Chisels | eBay

Originally Posted by bongo

That's the one I'm thinking of buying as well !
Link:Large 8"X 3" V Fine 15K Slate Sharpening Stone Razor Hone Planes Chisels | eBay

I inquired about the 8"x3" one, but he said it would be more expensive to ship and couldn't sell it for $30 shipped. I told him the 6"x2" would be fine, and I'm glad I did. It's honestly perfect size wise. I work up a slurry then use it in my hand.

Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider

Seriously Ed I'd HIGHLY recommend a Norton 4/8 and a Shapton 16k. In fact, if you're short on funds at the moment I'd get a Shapton 16k first, and the 4/8 later. Seriously, you can bring the edges back with as few as TEN laps on the Shapton; and no soaking required.

The Swedish razor that's on holiday at your place would need 20 laps (make sure you tape the spine).

I hardly ever resort to using the 8k (only for razors I've purchased that were dull). Generally in that instance I did a 4/8 pyramid. I'll be labelled as a butcher for saying this, but I use 800 grit wet and dry wrapped around the Norton stone to set a bevel when I need to.

I got my hones from Straight Razor Designs a couple of years ago. I notice the Shapton 16k is 130 USD at the moment and the Norton 4/8 is 80 bucks.

You will not give me had, I know you are working on giving me rad.