Thread: King 4/8 vs Norton 4/8

Found separates on Leevalley. Seems like the price is about the same either way. Still a hard choice for me. I'll be keeping up with this thread to see what everyone thinks comparing the 2.

Never used the King. The Norton 4/8 is quite fine by me. Lives in the water, cleans up really fast under running water with a worn DMT. Always delivers and has TONS of references in threads here from which to learn.
I don't shave off of it, but it is dependable to bring a good, sharp, and shiny bevel to the finisher.
The Norton 4/8 is quite tried and true, I think.
Don't think the combo is an issue. Separate stones is more expensive. You will never use one up.
YMMV

Originally Posted by DduckyMark

Found separates on Leevalley. Seems like the price is about the same either way. Still a hard choice for me. I'll be keeping up with this thread to see what everyone thinks comparing the 2.

I think in my opening post I mentioned the kings would be separate stones .. I like the idea of two separate stones but that's taking up double the space.

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Never used the King. The Norton 4/8 is quite fine by me. Lives in the water, cleans up really fast under running water with a worn DMT. Always delivers and has TONS of references in threads here from which to learn.
I don't shave off of it, but it is dependable to bring a good, sharp, and shiny bevel to the finisher.
The Norton 4/8 is quite tried and true, I think.
Don't think the combo is an issue. Separate stones is more expensive. You will never use one up.
YMMV

To be honest I just need a stone for my mid range work that reliable, repeatable and cost effective.

Maybe think about soak time. I use one of the thick King 1k and it takes about a month of soaking before it's ready. Can anyone say if this is the same for the 4k and the 8k???? My Norton takes 30 seconds for the 4k side, the 8k just get sprayed. Also, there's a reason why so many of us have the Norton 4/8. But........ YMMV

I recently upgraded from the norton 4/8 to the japanese version of the shaptons. They are cheaper than the US versions, work great, and have virtually no soak time. Could not be happier. They are on ebay and amazon I believe.

Do what you will. Lots of Naniwas in bright colors do the same. Different strokes!
My old 4/8 Norton combo was bought 9 years ago, used. The guy just had to have separate stones.
Was thin on the 4k side as he had honed a lot of razors. Still thin, yet still going after another pile of razors and constant light lapping. Lives in the water. Sometimes, I think of getting a new one, but I don't think I will ever use it up!

Originally Posted by HARRYWALLY

Maybe think about soak time. I use one of the thick King 1k and it takes about a month of soaking before it's ready. Can anyone say if this is the same for the 4k and the 8k???? My Norton takes 30 seconds for the 4k side, the 8k just get sprayed. Also, there's a reason why so many of us have the Norton 4/8. But........ YMMV

Much the same as the Norton in that case.

Originally Posted by HARRYWALLY

Maybe think about soak time. I use one of the thick King 1k and it takes about a month of soaking before it's ready. Can anyone say if this is the same for the 4k and the 8k???? My Norton takes 30 seconds for the 4k side, the 8k just get sprayed. Also, there's a reason why so many of us have the Norton 4/8. But........ YMMV

That's is true.. I've been back and fourth between the two of them. You and the Mike's have got the 4/8 I know that. Not sure if I should join the crowd or be the odd man out. I don't think the 4 and 8k kings need a long soak. I believe the 8k is splash and go like the Norton ..

Sometimes I wish there weren't so many choices....

Originally Posted by HARRYWALLY

Maybe think about soak time. I use one of the thick King 1k and it takes about a month of soaking before it's ready. Can anyone say if this is the same for the 4k and the 8k???? My Norton takes 30 seconds for the 4k side, the 8k just get sprayed. Also, there's a reason why so many of us have the Norton 4/8. But........ YMMV

I love my Naniwas, don't get me wrong. A 1k Naniwa and a 12k SS round out a lot of all I use.
Nanis don't soak well, FME. I just put water on mine 15 mins before use. Must be lapped a bit more often as well.
Love the old Norton in-between, however!

(Now, they call me an old-timer!)