Thread: King 4/8 vs Norton 4/8

Hi,

I've had a set of Naniwa's in the past. I didn't like the feel of them all that much and the size of 8x3 was kind of large. I never really learned them either. That being said a Norton 4/8 is the same size.. a little disadvantage for me. My king 1k is an ideal size for me.. so I was looking and I can get a 4/8k of either brands for the same price. The kings would be single stones the same size as my king 1k. The Norton a combo. I really enjoy the width of the Kings but if performance of the Norton is that much better I'm of course going to get it. I'm really torn on this one...

Some opinions on either brand over the other..

And just because I know someone is going to say it.. I don't want a set of Naniwa's or shapton glass..

Thanks.

Originally Posted by S0LITARYS0LDIER

8x3 was kind of large. That being said a Norton 4/8 is the same size.. a little disadvantage for me. .

Why would a larger stone be a disadvantage? Just curious.

I like Kings. Nothing wrong with them. If you like them go for it.

There does not appear to be any reason NOT to use King hones, they are similar in speed to Norton hones according to Lee Valley, but the Norton is softer, releasing grit faster, resulting in faster honing on modern (tough) steels. If you're not honing custom razors made from the latest super duper steels, but rather the typical high carbon steels most of our razors are made from, then you can get the King hones, save some money, and you'll get the same honing speed and the size you prefer.


Regards

Christian

Best thing I ever did, swapping my Kings for Shaptons.

I didn't know King had a 4/8. I have one of their 1k/6k stones and the 6 isn't quite fine enough to shave off of. Post a link of where you found it so I can look into one myself.

Leevalley.com bro

Thanks I'll check it out.

@ DD Mark

Search King/Ice Bear you will find them

I have never used the Norton so I cannot comment on them. The kings however I have. I find them quite soft and quite forgiving. I have the 1/6k combo and use it for knives. they are fairly fast and smooth leaving a fairly smooth finish.
If the Norton's are softer again then the kings, then you may be better to stick with what you know (and like), and stick with the kings. the Kings as it is need re-lapping very quickly if not used carefully and evenly. If the Nortons are softer then they may dish faster again but once again I have no experience with them so take that as a healthy grain of salt.
I have some shaptons glass in 4 and 8k and love them. I also have a shapton 320 ceramic and its a beast, if a little hard to lap.
my favourite stone however would be the chosera. I only have the 1k and its by far the best performer for me.