Thread: New Hones

The only suggestion I would make is don't pass up on the chosera 1k.. It's costly for a bevel setter but it's just to me the most important step in the
Entire process is bevel setting..and chosera IMO is the goto 1k stone or bevel setter

I use a Naniwa 1k,5k,8k and 12k, just 'cause that's what Lynn used in his Super Stones video. I like them, they were my first stones and fairly easy to learn on. I do wish the 1k was just a tad more aggressive, but I do recommend them.

I use Chosera 1k, Norton 4k/8k combo, Naniwa 12k finisher. I highly recommend Chosera 1k as a bevel setter. Having done much research myself and from first experience, I think Chosera 1k is a reliable, consistent bevel setter that you'll enjoy using.

As for the Norton 4k/8k combo, you really need to lap down the 4k side. I lapped down 1/8 of an inch off before it became "smooth enough."

Hope this helps!

If you don't like the cost of the Chosera 1k, the Arashiyama 1k is about half the price and is a very good bevel setter. It takes a couple minutes to soak in enough water to stay wet, and is a little more aggressive than the splash and go Chosera 1k, but it does a good job and the serrations left by it are easily removed by a Norton 4k. One downside for it is that much fewer people have it when compared to the Chosera 1k, so you will have fewer people available to ask about it.

In the end, they'll all get you there. It's really a matter of personal preference and your budget. I like the idea of seeing what Jerry's using. Try those, see how you like them. Take that into consideration before you buy. Many of us have bought several sets of hones. Like Jimmy, I've personally tried most of them and finally stuck with the Shapton GS series stones for synthetics. They're fast and efficient. I find the Shapton 1k to be a fine bevel setter, but still use the Chosera 1k from time to time for stubborn bevels.

Happy Honing.