And that is exactly why we don't recommend the cut down PHIGS for beginners.
The stone itself may not be an issue if you score a good one but the Barber Hone size offers a few hundred chances of a mis-cued stroke.
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I have 1/4 nortons from Larry and I can attest to what others are saying buy the full size stone. I have not used the PHIG so I can not chime in on the grit rating but a tiny stone like those are not the most fun to use unless you have a mini razor ;) . The 1/4 stones are what I could afford at the time and I still use them with success but looking back I wish I would have just got full size stones.
I guess I skipped a page I should have read more carefully, my last post is pretty much null and void. Glad this stone is working for you enjoy and shave on sir :D