Thread: Required Stones

I wanted to say that but to each his own. I have found that for the Naniwa stones were much easier to use than the Norton. also the Naniwa is a 3/8 and not the a 4/8. I have the Naniwa system the 1-3-5-8-12K. I started out with the 1 for bevel set and then the 3/8 the finisher 12K. The combination of these stones did give a very good edge. And as I stated earlier for me they were very easy to use. I added the 5K later in the chase of the perfect edge. I don't know if I'll ever catch that elusive phenomenon (wish I knew what that word ment) or not the chase alone is worth it.

The 4/8K Norton is all you will ever need. If you have a 12K Super Stone, you really don’t even need the 4/8. See the 12K Super Stone thread I just posted in Advanced Honing.

If you have the 3 4/8/12k you are all set. A diamond plate is much better than the flattening stones.
Unfortunately, as a new shaver you will probably need to at least a touch up your razor, no matter who honed it or how good an edge it had on it.

The 12K Super Stone will easily keep you shaving for a long time. You might want to think about a Chrome Oxide paddle strop for maximum edge maintenance. Then you are really set…

Okay, cart has been updated again. I now have the Naniwa value pack, 5000, 8000 & 12000 stones. From what I've read I'll need the higher grits first and the value pack was only about 40 more than the 8000 and 12000.

Still open to ideas, but this seems to be sound. Buy once, cry once.

Still going to wait til tomorrow to order.

About a year ago, I got the 5k-8k-12k pack also and have been very satisfied with it. I added a 1k Naniwa to the set, and feel that I'm prepared for the rest of my shaving days. I have no urge for any more stones, but do wish to try Nano-Cloth.

David:
You have received very good advice, let me add to it some that I received when I started out honing. DON'T GET IN A HURRY!

Buying the BEST stones will not make you good at honing. Only LEARNING the stones you have and honing MANY razors will make you good at honing!

Figure out what you want to accomplish before you purchase, ie just refreshing the razors in your rotation or full on honing- bevel set to finish. If it's just maintaining buy a good finisher and LEARN it. It would be good to try edges finished on these different finishers before you decide which one to buy.

If you want to learn to hone razors, any razors, then purchase a good bevel setter, Naniwa Professional P310 (1K), Shapton 1.5K, King 1K,etc.
and learn to set a bevel and how to test for a fully set bevel as this is a very big part of the work.

Select a set of compatible mid range stones, 3k, 5k, 8k, or 3/8 or 4/8 combos and LEARN how to hone on practice razors with good geometry and no issues, up to 8K and get CONSISTENTLY DFS from them. Do this before you think about getting a finisher.

I started out on a full set of Nortons, the Naniwas would be excellent so would a few others but the most important thing to remember is that if you really want to learn to hone razors you will have to hone many edges and you will have to devote allot of time to develop this skill, no matter what stones you chose, don't be in a hurry to make this decision.

Try to find a mentor in your area that can help you get started or get to a meet-up so that you can try some different stones first and see what feels good to you. A little one on one time with a seasoned honer will make a world of difference. Please consider this it has helped me more than anything!!!

A DMT325 or Atoma400 grit diamond plate for lapping your stones would be a good choice also, although a flat tile and high quality wet-dry sand paper will work also.

I followed the above advise and my honing journey has been very fulfilling. I'm shaving with blissful edges and I learn something new almost every day.



I hope you have as much fun as I.

FranfC: Thank you for your reply. I do not feel that I am in a hurry and plan to do a great deal of reading prior to even placing a practice razor to the stone. I do prefer to buy quality but I also realize that quality tools do not equate to expertise.

I would first like to learn how to refresh a blade and then expand from there. I still have a certificate from SRD and plan to use that for my Ralf Aust prior to trying it myself.

I am very much looking forward to the learning process.

As a side note, I have been teaching myself 1911 Gunsmithing for the past 18 months. In regards to that I have learned a lot but still have years of learning to go. Straight razors and honing will be the same, but if you don't start somewhere you will never begin that journey.

Again, a sincere thank you for the response.

Originally Posted by apipeguy

I do prefer to buy quality but I also realize that quality tools do not equate to expertise.

I would first like to learn how to refresh a blade and then expand from there.

I am very much looking forward to the learning process.

As a side note, I have been teaching myself 1911 Gunsmithing for the past 18 months. .

These four statements make me think you will do very well at this and enjoy the whole process.

You've probably discovered in your gunsmithing that often you have a task to do that requires a special tool. So you purchase the tool to accomplish your task. In learning to use the tool you start finding pleasure in the work and the tool becomes something that you treasure. Hones are like that.

I agree with Frank's suggestion of trying to get to a meet where you can try other stones even if you have already purchased your stones. Quality tools are a pleasure to use and explore.

I have two Gerstner tool chests for my 1911 tools, how far off is a third for razors?

I just picked up this Walnut box, should clean up nice, got it for a song.

I have several other Gerstner boxes.

I do see another in your future… especially if you are already thinking that way… GAD - Gerstner Acquisition Disorder

Very nice Gerstner, would love to find an older one in great shape like that.