Thread: newb question. norton 220/1000 vs $$$ on chosera

Would you guys recommend starting with the norton combo for removing frowns and bevel setting? Or save up for the chosera stones? Difference in quality of edges? Will be using bbw coticule after. Also got the 3 piece welsh slate set from aj_1001 on ebay on the way to try as finishers. All comments welcome.

Nothing wrong with Nortons,,,
Unless you already have razors that have problems (frowns, etc.,,,) , I would not be basing the purchase of stones around them.
Don't start out in honing looking for a challenge by trying to repair razors, get a set of stones, Norton/Chosera, & hone on the best razors you have, by following guidelines on SRP for honing. After you can maintain your shaving edges well, then maybe look to revive a few vintage razors.
IMO,, buying a new set of hones & starting with a frown ,, is like letting the car run over my toe, so I can practice my first-aid skills.

Originally Posted by dmnc

Would you guys recommend starting with the norton combo for removing frowns and bevel setting? Or save up for the chosera stones? Difference in quality of edges? Will be using bbw coticule after. Also got the 3 piece welsh slate set from aj_1001 on ebay on the way to try as finishers. All comments welcome.

My opinion is to learn to hone on synthetics, then naturals as every stone is different in the natural world. Every norton is pretty much the same, your 220/1000 would be the same stone as mine here in the U.S. BTW, this is just fine for bevel setting.

Most of us will recommend that you learn to touch up a razor before you try bevel setting too. Everything mentioned above is true^^^^.

I'm going to disagree with everything above. That is, I think there is something wrong with the Norton 220/1k.

The Norton 220 side is a muddy slow cutting mess and I consider it to be borderline useless for razors.

The Norton 1k does work as a bevel setter, but even keeping it half submerged it will keep needing to be re-wetted. I have to spray it something like every 10 strokes. I find that to be annoying.

I consider the Naniwa Chosera 1k to be a much better option. The Arashiyama 1k is a very good and cheaper alternative. It feels grittier and I think is a little faster, but its scratch marks are easily removed with a 4k, just like the chosera.

Anyone any experience of ordering from the U.S? Price in europe seems to be insane. Any taxes to be paid en route. Actually have been shaving with razor honed myself on bbw and coticule combo. Only got my slurry stones today too. Is working well enough so far. No nicks or cuts and the closeness of shave is definitely getting there. Having fun playing round practicing honing etc. Will be sending couple of vintage razors to sixgun soonish so will have proper benchmark in the future. Sure will be an improvement over mine. Cheers for weighing in guys. Will be looking to get some Nortons when can find for decent price so I can learn consistently before moving onto the naturals properly. Have a mild case of loving old and natural stuff.

dmnc: I've been honing for six months, I started out on Norton 1k,4k,8k separate stones and I feel they are good stones but, the 1k I have is aggressive, gritty feeling and very thirsty needing near constant soaking and spraying while honing.
The 4k is better but still not a favorite, the 8k I have is a very capable and easy to use stone, I have shaved off of it and it it will give a serviceable shave if you do your part, not very keen but comfortable for my face.
I have since purchased the Naniwa Professional P310 (new Chosera 1K) and I think it's one of the best bevel setters out there. I liked it so much that I purchased the P330 (Chosera 3K). These two stones form the foundation of my honing arsenal and I can highly recommend them. I have a few other synthetic stones to complete the progression and am now honing on J-Nats but I still use the Naniwa 1k,3k to set bevels. I believe that they represent a solid foundation for my future honing.

FrankC

Originally Posted by dmnc

Anyone any experience of ordering from the U.S? Price in europe seems to be insane. Any taxes to be paid en route. Actually have been shaving with razor honed myself on bbw and coticule combo. Only got my slurry stones today too. Is working well enough so far. No nicks or cuts and the closeness of shave is definitely getting there. Having fun playing round practicing honing etc. Will be sending couple of vintage razors to sixgun soonish so will have proper benchmark in the future. Sure will be an improvement over mine. Cheers for weighing in guys. Will be looking to get some Nortons when can find for decent price so I can learn consistently before moving onto the naturals properly. Have a mild case of loving old and natural stuff.

Hang on before you order from the US I have details of a Company here in the UK when I get to my laptop later I'll post the details. It'll save on import charges. Also if you PM me I've got a Naniwa SS 1000 grit which I've only used about 6 times.

Will pm Anthony when back from work. Heading out now. Definitely leaning naniwa way now. Ss v chosera. How big a difference? Always amazed by help and friendliness on here. Great community. Glad to feel small part of it. Dmnc

Originally Posted by Anthony1954

Hang on before you order from the US I have details of a Company here in the UK when I get to my laptop later I'll post the details. It'll save on import charges. Also if you PM me I've got a Naniwa SS 1000 grit which I've only used about 6 times.

Just found the web site here you go
http://www.knivesandtools.co.uk/en/c...-equipment.htm

Anthony thank you. That website is first have seen for a good price. Champ. Hope you don't mind, at those prices am going to go straight for the Chosera/Professional stones. Seem the best option from the reviews. :-)