This only true of the 4k and 1k norton. The 8k can be wetted down and used.
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The thing that really turns me off the Norton hones is how soft they are. I wasn't paying attention my first time lapping it, and very nearly wore half the 4k side away on the lapping hone. And the last time I lapped it and smoothed it out, there was a piece of mystery trash on the sand paper that left a nice, deep, half inch long scratch on the face with the first forward push on the paper.
I know this is all user error, and If I bought another, it might well last a lifetime now that I know to be more careful. But it's still somewhat unforgiving and easy to foul up - especially for razor honing.
You can use a good Barber Hone, but the real good ones are almost the price of a 12k and lesser ones are a crapshoot.
Really, there are only a hand-full of synthetic stones that work with razors. You may have more success with a good diamond plate to lap and maintain a stone. Norton’s have been used very successfully to hone razors for years and are still a great value. A soaked stone will load up less than a splash and go stone, so there is a trade-off and they only need a few minutes of soaking. If you are just maintaining a hand full of razors, it’s not that big a deal.
A few good synthetic are all you need and will be a lifetime purchase. Do buy proven, razor quality stones, trying to save a few dollars with unknown or small inexpensive stones will not produce acceptable results. Of the proven stones, brand name does not matter that much, they all will produce a shave ready edge.
If cost is an issue, a Norton 4/8 or Naniwa 3/8k and 12k Super Stone for about $150 are all you will need, and will produce the exact same results.
I was using the Norton lapping hone. What threw me off was starting with the Guangxi hone, and using my experience lapping that as a base for lapping the rest. So I set to work lapping it like it was the Guangxi expecting it to take an hour before I even started to see results. Hence the reason I wasn't paying attention, I was just on auto pilot rubbing the hones together. When I turned it around the marks were gone, along with half the stone. Needless to say I was more attentive with the 8k side of the hone. I've also scratched into it playing with a pocket knife. Like I said, entirely user error.
How long do the naniwas last?
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I heard those BBB hones are something special. I have always wanted one of those and a lakeside.