Thread: 1/4 Nortons

I'm going to be getting a set of hones to be able to take care of my own and possibly do minor restorations. I have 4 shave ready razors at the moment. I got 2 razors for cheap, not to say they are cheap. One I believe is a C.T. Bingham Tally Ho and the other a Robeson Sure edge that I can play with. I believe Whipped Dog has Norton quarter sets and a 12k stone quarter, can get everything for under $100. Would this be OK for my use or would I be better served getting full size stones. If I go full size I may go Naniwa SS or Norton 4/8 with Naniwa 12k to finish, can you use one lapping stone for a mix or do you have to have a seperate lapping stone for the Nortons and SS? Hopes this makes sense and Thanks

Greg

IMHO it is a waste of money. A quarter sized stone is ridiculous. A PITA for maintenance honing but even more so if you want to do restorations.

I posed the same question in my thread just last week. I decided to go with the Norton 4k/8k and the DMT 325 to lap (from what I understand, it is the only lapping stone I will ever need). Once I learn how to get good shaves off of the 8k, I will buy a Naniwa 12k. Thanks to the great people here in guiding me to make the right decision...

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

IMHO it is a waste of money. A quarter sized stone is ridiculous. A PITA for maintenance honing but even more so if you want to do restorations.

I think there's an equation here :
1/4 Norton = 4 x more honing .

If they were cut long ways I think it'd actually be useful and cool. For not much more you can get ful size stones set.

If they were cut long ways it might be O.K. for an experienced honer, but working a razor on a 1 1/2 stroke surface, for a beginner is a bit of a task.

On the other hand, I don't know of an experienced honer who would want a cut down Norton. JMO.

I've been honing on the Norton 4K/8K since last year, and just recently got the Naniwa 12K. I also have other whetstones for sharpening kitchen knives. I successfully lap all of my stones -- including the Naniwa -- on the DMT 325.

Finishing with the Naniwa 12K really improved the SR sharpness; my shaves are much smoother.

Originally Posted by Chreees

I posed the same question in my thread just last week. I decided to go with the Norton 4k/8k and the DMT 325 to lap (from what I understand, it is the only lapping stone I will ever need). Once I learn how to get good shaves off of the 8k, I will buy a Naniwa 12k. Thanks to the great people here in guiding me to make the right decision...

That's where I am. My only worry is all the time I spent lapping and hoping I didn't ruin my DMT. I'm hoping to get another or maybe I can just compare my plate with one that is at one of the local stores. I am lusting after the 12k but SWMBO is starting to notice the razors piling up.

OP- IMO go for the full sized stones, you won't regret it.

Originally Posted by Chreees

I posed the same question in my thread just last week. I decided to go with the Norton 4k/8k and the DMT 325 to lap (from what I understand, it is the only lapping stone I will ever need). Once I learn how to get good shaves off of the 8k, I will buy a Naniwa 12k. Thanks to the great people here in guiding me to make the right decision...

I am again training a guy with just the set up you have. That set is so often used that most anyone can answer questions for you...That is a great start and you can go crazy after learning the needed. A CHUG (C-12K) could help later for refining a good edge..
The gentleman in question had an edge after about one hour upon a restored 6/8ths that cut hanging hair after coming off the 8k stone. After stropping it gave him a very nice shave this AM.
~Richard

Originally Posted by Roso

That's where I am. My only worry is all the time I spent lapping and hoping I didn't ruin my DMT. I'm hoping to get another or maybe I can just compare my plate with one that is at one of the local stores. I am lusting after the 12k but SWMBO is starting to notice the razors piling up.

OP- IMO go for the full sized stones, you won't regret it.

It's difficult to wear out your DMT on the hones that you are discussing. I have a DMT that has been used on 1000 grit Carborundums, barber hones, a hard Arkansas, no problem. I was actually worried that I wore it out & bought another. The old one cuts as good as the new one.