Quote Originally Posted by LawsonStone View Post
What I don't like about the Norton stones is the requirement of immersing them, soaking them. I like the Naniwas because you can just wet them and hone. I use a spray bottle. Also, I suggest getting razors initially honed professionally. Then when they need freshening, get a Naniwa 12K. Eventually, you'll need more than just freshening the edge, and you can get the Naniwa 8K. As the honing of the razor "ages" you will find you want to sharpen more substantial, and the Naniwa 3K or 5K can be gotten, and ultimately when you are ready to set bevels, the 1K. That kind of gradual process will give you about 2 years of patient, gradual building of expertise that won't cost you a lot all at once. Learn to freshen an edge with the 12K; then learn to renew the edge with the 8K or 10k; then learn to re-sharpen the edge with the 3K or 5K; then you learn actually to create the edge, the bevel, with the 1K.
That is very good advice.