Thread: would it be foolish for a newbie to buy...

Originally Posted by obsessis

What would be the minimum that I'd need to effectively start out, just a 4k/8k? both a 220/1000? it'd be about $70 for the first, $100 for the both. $170 for a 220, 1k, 4k and 8k, full sized, plus both the norton prep and the norton flattening stone.

would i be able to fix ebay razors with just a 4k/8k?

I would also tell you to get the 4k/8k Norton a good all around stone. I don't think you would want to get an ebay razor that you needed a 220 stone for.
I also would get the 3" size.

would i need anything smaller than 4k to take dings/nicks out of a razors edge?

You can use the 4k it might just take a little longer.

I think a 1000 can be useful, but I'd say you might want to wait on that to see how you progress with the 4k and as a starter choose your first few razors as ones that don't require a ton of work and start to ramp up as you feel more comfortable. Just MHO.

X

I'll echo some of what has already been said, then add a bit of heresy.

The 4/8K is a great all around hone and could be sufficient for all of your honing needs...this is a skill that needs to be developed however. If, as you've said, you want to get into restoration (don't kid yourself into thinking that will be a money making proposition), You will eventually want the 220/1K Norton as well. Most will tell you that you should never use the 220 side on a razor as it will chip the edge. Yes it will. However, if you want to restore a razor with a deep nick in the edge (but don't want to send it out for re-grinding) the 220 can come in handy. I bought my 220/1K well after my 4/8K and really wish I had it much earlier. That stone has allowed me to rescue several razors that are now in my regular rotation. I've only used the 220 side on two of them, but for me, that is already enough to make me glad I had it available.

Just another data point,
Ed

Forget all those sissy hones... get a Burr King

Originally Posted by urleebird

Forget all those sissy hones... get a Burr King

Bill, you're starting to sound like "Tim The ToolMan"

Just get the Norton, 3 inch wide, 4000/8000.

Use 1000 grit wet/dry sandpaper for those razors that have nicks in them that are visible.

Be sure to get a 30X or greater handheld microscope. It is invaluable. Radio Shack has tem for approx $10. That one is 60X-100X.

Originally Posted by obsessis

What would be the minimum that I'd need to effectively start out, just a 4k/8k? both a 220/1000? it'd be about $70 for the first, $100 for the both. $170 for a 220, 1k, 4k and 8k, full sized, plus both the norton prep and the norton flattening stone.

would i be able to fix ebay razors with just a 4k/8k?

Oh ya, I almost forgot.

You will not make money on this hobby!

oh i'm not concerned about making money, just looking for positive things to do in my freetime instead of getting into trouble.

I'll pick up a 4k/8k along with a strop, some 1000 grit sandpaper in case i get some nicks.

i will have to wait until later to get a pasted strop or belgian stone.

thanks a lot