Quote Originally Posted by MikeT View Post
I just finally snapped! Maybe I've been intimidated to really start honing, just been dabbling.. So I just ordered a Norton 1k 4k/8k starter set. So far it's been just messing around with some very good condition Carborundum hones that I found at antique stores... with unsatisfactory results.
Now I know that the stone doesn't make the master.. but also that good stones make a difference.
A year ago I found an Escher at an antique store in Indiana for $5! Five bucks! I didn't know anything about hones at that point until I started reading up. So I will not use it of course until I am able to get a blade to the point that it needs to be to go to a finisher...
So now I'm watching the videos and reading up and will be practicing daily.
Are the Carborundum hones labeled? Not all of them are for razors. The ones that ARE for razors are labeled as razor hones on their boxes. If they are labeled as sharpening hones, then they are not for razors. Carborundum razor hones can create very good edges. If you have a problem using them, then you may have a problem using the Nortons. Of course, though, it all starts at the bevel so if you started with a dull razor you may not have done enough with the Carborundum and in that case the Norton 1k may become your new best friend.