Thread: King 4/8 vs Norton 4/8

Not to hijack thread, but, are the "older" Nortons the ones that have a Italian made 4k and an American made 8K? I have one of these I bought from a member. The stones are stained, but seem to work well. (Well they seem to work well, but I am having a helluva time learning to hone with them!)

Also, @SOLITARYSOLDIER, like you said, there are so many choices. I am certain if you don't care for the Kings, they'll make great knife sharpening stones, but I have a feeling they will be plenty sufficient for SR honing. I think sometimes we "over think" these things. I know I am guilty of that.

I have heard of differences in the Nortons over time. Mine has a yellow stain in the 4k side, figured it was the joining adhesive showing? Hones exactly like it always has.
My 4/8 predates the Mexican ones. Italian ones?

Originally Posted by sharptonn

I have heard of differences in the Nortons over time. Mine has a yellow stain in the 4k side, figured it was the joining adhesive showing? Hones exactly like it always has.
My 4/8 predates the Mexican ones. Italian ones?

Yup....the blue case/stand has a sticker that says 4K side manufactured in Italy, 8K side manufactured in the US.

Hmm I have a few norton stones for work and they are all made in Mexico.. not bad stones at all. I have a feeling it's going to be a new coticule vs old coticule type of argument..

Can you post a picture??

Originally Posted by S0LITARYS0LDIER

Hmm I have a few norton stones for work and they are all made in Mexico.. not bad stones at all. I have a feeling it's going to be a new coticule vs old coticule type of argument..

Can you post a picture??

Here ya go....the chip in the corner occurred during shipping to me.

I've been going back and forth between Norton and Naniwa and now I have the king hones to rattle around in my head too. My edges off of the king 1k/6k is almost good but I'm sure it would be easier with a middle stone and a better edge with a higher grit. I was thinking a stone between 3k and 4k and something between 8k and 12 k.

@TheFiveO what problems are you having?

Are the Norton hones now made in Mexico?

Can't be too bad. It is a pile of razors your boot won't accommodate what have crossed this stone!

I have had Kings, Nortons, Naniwa Super Stones, Shapton GS full sets & a Naniwa Chosera 1K. Of all these stones, the only one I have not recommended is the Kings. Sure, they (King) will do the job, but stopping there...

Originally Posted by shooter74743

I have had Kings, Nortons, Naniwa Super Stones, Shapton GS full sets & a Naniwa Chosera 1K. Of all these stones, the only one I have not recommended is the Kings. Sure, they (King) will do the job, but stopping there...

Out of interest, which one(s) is your favourite? Or if mixed which progression would you use?