Thread: Advice on purchasing first hone set

I have been thinking about getting the 3k/8k naniwa myself. It's about the same price in SRD as Amazon. I have a 6k and it's good, but 8k seems like a better fit in the long run with most honing setups. That being said, I'm no expert

Here's the way I went. It might help somebody out there.

I first purchased a Naniwa SS 12K for touchups. Worth every penny and *easy* for a beginner to use.

Next, I got a Naniwa SS 3k/8k. Again, worth every penny and very easy to use for a beginner.
Next, I realized I needed a bevel setter. Got the King 1K. Worth it for the money, needs lapping after every use, IMO.

I am very happy that I was steered toward the Naniwas. Lynn's videos had absolutely NOTHING to do with my decision.


NOTE: Forget using Amazon, SRD is tried and true. A friend here recently had an issue with their stone and Lynn and the boys immediately took care of him. I think I can count him as well as myself as very satisfied customers. my 2c.

I have been thinking about getting the 3k/8k naniwa myself. It's about the same price in SRD as Amazon. I have a 6k and it's good, but 8k seems like a better fit in the long run with most honing setups. That being said, I'm no expert

The 5K naniwa superstone is a better polish than the 6K king. The 8K is light years ahead and it more than enough to shave from. I originally planned to keep the 6K king and add an 8K and 12K Naniwa to my rotation. After I posted my plans on here I got made an offer on a 5, 8, and 12K from another user. And in retrospect the 5K naniwa is well ahead of the 6K king in terms of polish and feel. It also doesn't have the soak time. This doesn't mean the king is useless, It just means not all stones are equal. I have no regrets in buying the king at all, and will keep it and use it. It is for all intents and purposes a spring board into honing, It's cheap and works, And if you have no rocks at all then you could spend far more money and do far worse.

Looking to get my own water stones and have found a great deal on the Naniwa Superstone 1k/5k or maybe get the Naniwa 3k/8k combination stones any suggestion out there which Naniwa I should get?

Originally Posted by gkofsky

I've also tested out setting a bevel using a block of polished stone tile with 1000 grit wet/dry paper stretched over it, with successful results during my first razor restoration.

to me this sounds like you have a certain persistance or feel for the job of sharpening a razor, which inclines me to point out a small coticule to do it all with, it's harder to learn but as I read it I think you have the aptitude for it....

Originally Posted by Bram

to me this sounds like you have a certain persistance or feel for the job of sharpening a razor, which inclines me to point out a small coticule to do it all with, it's harder to learn but as I read it I think you have the aptitude for it....

What is a coticule and how is it different from stones? Would it replace the full range of hones or is it just used for finishing?

Just google 'coticule'. (it is a natural stone, with a large amount of literature surrounding it)

You could use a coticul alongside a 1k bevel setting stone (or sandpaper) and use the coticule after the bevel is set - gssixgun made a series of youtube videos which are worth watching. You wouldn't lose out by giving it a go - coticules make good finishing stones, even if you don't experience success using it as a one stone system.

Hi..I use a coticule and you probably won't get 2 the same! I normally set the bevel with the coti after dulling the edge..and finish on lapping film and plain linen and leather strop..I get a truly outstanding finish this way.

You made the right choice with those Nanis! After working with them for much of the day at last Saturday's Asheville meetup, I can't say enough good things about them for consistency and ease of use. Though I have the whole Norton setup and can get good results from it, I'd get the Nanis if I had it to do again, and may still trade up-they're just so easy and predictable.

Originally Posted by ScoutHikerDad

I can't say enough good things about them for consistency and ease of use.

BINGO! Ditto, ScoutHikerDad. My first was a 12K, then the 3/8K combo. Let's not forget value for the money.