Thread: Replacing Norton with Naniwa

I eyeball the 1k and after that I use the force Luke . FEEL it :<0)

Definitely us tactile tests as well. It's awesome how after honing a lot you get a good feel and for what's going on. Makes the entire honing process so much easier!

Originally Posted by 10Pups

I eyeball the 1k and after that I use the force Luke . FEEL it :<0)

I just love it when someone quotes any thing STAR WARS !!

Originally Posted by Walterbowens

I just love it when someone quotes any thing STAR WARS !!

Your going to love tomorrow then. May the 4th be with you !

Originally Posted by Euclid440

I have the both sets and prefer the Chosera 1K, then the Norton 4,8K then the Super stone 12K then a natural finisher.

I like the Chosera for the smoothness and ability to cut a quick straight bevel, The Norton 4,8k for their agressiveness and feel and the 12k for the quick finish on the edge. It really does not matter except for the finisher between the two brands.

Find a 1K you like and a finisher, the middle does not matter.
Really even the 1K does not matter as long as it is capable of setting the bevel.

I completely agree with this, I use a €5 hone from the local hardwarestore for heavy corrections and setting an initial bevel, from that point on I switch to a coticule with slurry.

you only feel the finishing hone while shaving, not your progression

This is one time I have to disagree,

Bevel
Sharpen
Polish
Finish

Every step is important to the final edge the only real difference is the amount of time and attention you spend there..
If you do your bevel set correctly then yes you tend to be able breeze through the middle sharpening/polishing stages and therefor tend to think they are not important, but I think you are doing a dis-service to the "Smooth" factor..

To the OP both systems are proved performers so really it comes down to how they "Feel" in your hands and on your razors, many of us feel the Naniwa SS have a more razor friendly touch to the hones as they use a softer binder and it tends to give a smoother feel to the stroke.. Whether that yields a better edge is back to the YMMV side of things

Originally Posted by gssixgun

To the OP both systems are proved performers so really it comes down to how they "Feel" in your hands and on your razors, many of us feel the Naniwa SS have a more razor friendly touch to the hones as they use a softer binder and it tends to give a smoother feel to the stroke.. Whether that yields a better edge is back to the YMMV side of things

Glen is 100% Correct :

So many times I've posted that 99.9% of Everything about straight razors is 'Personal Preference'. For example: an established fellow member (and a friend) used the Naniwa 4 and 8K hones and he complained that the 8K never seemed to stop wanting water and that he found that the edge of the hone chipped very easily. I recommended the Norton 4/8 (which is what I've used since the start) and he really liked it. HOWEVER he felt that the Naniwa gave a 'smoother' feeling when shaving.

Now before this event that same friend (who has spent more money than I can imagine buying and selling Natural rocks searching for one that would work for him) was very 'Leary' when I recommended the Naniwa 12K as a finisher. I finally bought one and had it shipped directly to him. At first he was a bit put out but after giving it a go, he often recommends it and says "It's a real workhorse". With that said, he also still uses the naturals.

It all boils down to what works for you

I believe that Lynn posted quite some time ago that his Norton 4ks perform best after he laps at least 1/8 inch off the top.
I can't remember his exact wording as to why this is the case. Anybody here remember?

Originally Posted by mrsell63

I believe that Lynn posted quite some time ago that his Norton 4ks perform best after he laps at least 1/8 inch off the top.
I can't remember his exact wording as to why this is the case. Anybody here remember?

_____________________________________

Lynn's recommendation for lapping 1/8 inch off the top is in his pyramid honing section in the WIKI.

Here: Lynn Abrams On Honing - Straight Razor Place Library

To remove aberrant imbedded grit. There is no need to lap it past just flat unless you are hitting grit that is causing damage.