Thread: Norton 4/8k .... Now what?

Hey folks, I'm looking for some input from experienced honers. I currently have a Norton 4/8k and I'm getting great edges from it... Good enough that I don't mind shaving from the blades as is (I do have TI strop paste that I use before stropping). My question is: without breaking the bank, what is a good next stone to get me closer to that super smooth, pro honed shave. I was thinking a naniwa or some other stone in the 12-16k range.... Anyone have thoughts or suggestions?

You can't go wrong with the Naniwa for speed, consistency, and ease of use.

Great bang for the buck on a finisher.

In this thread with the poll you can see quite a few and get a feel for the responses I am sure you will see here.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/hones...lar-basis.html

I used a Norton 4/8 for a year before I got a Nani. I would say don't be in a hurry and get a Naniwa next.

Honestly my suggestion would be to just use the norton for a good six months until you consider more options.
You may be surprised on how much smoother the shave can get when you master this stone. I can get bbs with my norton...the rest is icing.

Keep in mind you can also just move to iron oxide on a strop or a piece of cardboard. I use my iron oxide on the inside of a cereal box. I former member does that and it works for real cheap.

The only drawback I see with the nortons IMO is the lapping frequency. But other than that its a great stone and you have it already. So if you move up to the naniwa 12 that works or possibly naturals in the future, no need to get anything else in that grit range.

Thanks guys, these are all very helpful maybe I'll keep with the Norton for now and get myself iron/cro oxide board for smoothing out. This site is so helpful, I don't even think about ending my research and making a purchase without asking here first!

Like the great jazz saxophonist, Charlie "Yardbird" Parker said, "Master your instrument, then forget all that stuff and play." (drawing the analogy with the Norton)

Although I have a Coticule (and just discovered how to work it properly) I was also just in the market for a Nani 12k or Shapton 16k to use after the Norton series, and THEN saw the "employee discount" Mike is giving on Zulu Gray's right now. I bought a Zulu. That gives me 2 natural stones to work with after the 4/8. Well and plus i picked up a barber hone local, for cheap.

Plus my ChromOx rolled in today...but wait that's stropping.

Originally Posted by ecormier

Hey folks, I'm looking for some input from experienced honers. I currently have a Norton 4/8k and I'm getting great edges from it... Good enough that I don't mind shaving from the blades as is (I do have TI strop paste that I use before stropping). My question is: without breaking the bank, what is a good next stone to get me closer to that super smooth, pro honed shave. I was thinking a naniwa or some other stone in the 12-16k range.... Anyone have thoughts or suggestions?

I started Wet shaving about two months ago and all I've used is a quarter of a Norton 4/8 combo and stropping with a pasted strop i made from an old pair of jeans and 1x6 board. I have been getting pretty comfortable shaves with this method, but it depends on the razor I use. Not all of them like the 4/8k combo and pasted strop method. So ive been looking into the c12k only because of price. If I had the money I'd hop on the Naniwa 12k in a heartbeat.
Good Luck

Do you or have you ever used a c12k? Ok I see the edit.