Thread: Honing without a lopping plate?

Wid - do you think that Naniwa set would be ok for touch ups? Something a little more aggressive than CrOX?

Oh yeah. I used the 12K for a while and it did a great job.

That's what I'm thinking - an initial investment on a 12k plus the lapping stone for minor touch ups. Would let me slowly wade in vs jumping head first.

Knowing what I know now I would probably begin with a Norton 4/8 combo and the DMT D8C. You'll only really need the 1k if you are going to be messing with vintage razors that need the bevel set. If you're maintaining razors that you bought shave ready a 4/8 or a 12k superstone are fine for touch ups. While the 4/8 isn't giving you as fine an edge as the 12k it is more versatile in that you have the sharpening of the 4k, if you need it, along with the finishing of the 8k.

The 4k can also be used for bevel setting, though it takes longer. The way I was taught recommended getting a comfortable shave at the 8k level before moving up in grit to a 12k, 16k or whatever. I found that I can get very nice shaves @ 8k, and doing so confirmed my skills in honing. The higher grits did add to the smoothness/comfort but the 8k was plenty good by itself. The advantage in that approach is saving $ and versatility. If you have the $ and don't mind spending them the Naniwa set you mentioned before is good too.

I would take a pasted strop over the ebay stone.