Originally Posted by
Euclid440
If you are learning, buy a wide stone, a full 3 inch if possible, it will make learning to hone easier, especially if you are doing repair work and honing.
A Norton 1/4k is $60, so you’re not saving all that much and giving up a lot. If you want to save a few bucks, buy a King 1k for $20 and a Norton 4/8k or Naniwa 3/8k and your set for life. There is nothing wrong with new Norton’s, I have lapped a few recently, they work just fine.
An 8k edge stropped on quality Chrome Oxide is a fine shaving edge. You can easily bevel set an edge on a Norton 4k, it will just take a few more laps, but for $20 you can’t beat the King 1K.
Buy the best quality you can afford and more importantly, set yourself up for success, why hobble yourself?