Thread: "Quarter hones"

So, a known dealer sells "quarter sized" Norton hones for $60. A flattening and two combos 220/1k and 4k/8k. Hones are 1.5x4 inches (cut down Norton combos) thoughts on this as an entry level set?
Thanks much

I'd go full size.
For me small stones = uncomfortable to hone on, and I'd imagine for newbies it is even more of a problem.

I guess this would be a good example of where a Necropost would have done well...

One of many threads on this, here's one from 2013:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/hones...oning-set.html

I could tolerate a narrow hone (in fact some folks prefer them) but a short hone, never. That's why I regard most barber hones as a joke. Hones are one thing that has changed for the better in the last hundred years. Full length hones are now relatively cheap. My advice is don't deliberately hobble your honing technique by trying to fit your strokes into a 10cm/4" space.

Some folks will come along and say it works fine for them, but I'd say they'd be a minority. I'd say it could be done, but would be a handicap. The full size hone is worth it in the long run. (no pun)

Narrow hones can be useful for dealing with problem honing but in general and for someone starting out full sized is the way to go.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Some folks will come along and say it works fine for them, but I'd say they'd be a minority. I'd say it could be done, but would be a handicap. The full size hone is worth it in the long run. (no pun)

Yeah!

It would be a serious handicap to a novise or seasoned honer alike.
Sure, it'll work to an extent, but it does not sound much of a deal at all to me!

I though about it also. Have a short stone. Takes twice as many laps and increase in time. Conversely I Just purchased a 1K/220 combo Norton for $50ish
It was a game changer for me with regards to time invested. A baby hammer will drive a nail. But it increases the likely-hood that you will bend the nail in the process. Same principles apply to this situation. I bumped many a blade on the flip with the mini hone. points to consider.

being fairly new and not as experienced as most on here i would have to say that with short hones i would have pulled my hair out before it had a chance to be shaved off ..lol..
i have just recently felt confident in small(er) hones and by no means am i a master honer but i would never recommend a small stone to start with( from my own personal experience) .. im glad i made the investment in full size at the start and dont regret it one bit

Like almost everything else in this game...the cheap way in, is rarely economical when you get there.