Glad this was posted. As a str8 user that owns not even one stone I have had to rely on others for honing. I have been looking at the options an reading the reviews. I saw the 1/4 nortons an thought wow that's a good deal, compared to buying a full set. Glad to see some of the top guys in here saying "eh" mayyyyyybe not the way to go. So heres my question. If all I am interested in is maintaining my edges (send them out for major honing) what stone should be used? 4/8 Norton or 12k naniwa or barbers hone or just crox on balsa or crox on leather????? I know yall see how confusing this is for rookies. I was shying away from the 1/4 nortons strictly because of the size. Figured it was an issue. But at the same time the price point makes you go ooooo wait a minute. Its all a bit overwhelming an confusing IMO. Sorry for the rant just