Thread: Lapping brand new Norton stones

Hi everyone,
I literally just ordered a Norton waterstone kit- 220/1000k 4000/8000k and a lapping stone. I'm real excited as I've been interested to learn how to hone for a while now. I've read and read and read and I only have these questions Left:
How do I lap the edges of the hones? how often should I lap the stones? And does each hone require different care, maintenance, or methods/technique?

The first step will be to lap your lapping hone, as it may not be flat, so you will need to flatten it with w/d sandpaper or silicon carbide powder. You can lap all four hones with it an then can smooth the surface of the 4 and 8k by rubbing the 1k first on the 8k and then 4k sides. Just be sure to do it under running water and then rinse it well while rubbing the surface with your hand.

By lapping the edges, I assume you mean chamfering the edges. Only the long edges need to be chamfered. It is done by laying the lapper on top of the hone and moving it back an forth along the length of the hone while tilting the lapper over the edge, doing only one edge at a time and all of it under running water.

How frequently you lap will vary depending on the amount of use and hardness of the hone. The 1k will need to be lapped the most and the 8k will be lapped the least. That excludes the 220 because it is too soft to be of any use. You can determine how frequently you need to lap by occasionally drawing a pencil grid in the hone and doing a short test lapping. The amount of the grid removed will indicate how far out of flat it is.

I'm still awaiting my lapping stone to arrive, so I'm in the same boat somewhat. I'm in no rush to start but have been doing some research on lapping and honing. I've have had success in finding various sources of information on lapping on vendor, manufacturer and of course youtube sites. You may want to give them all a look over to plan on how you would like to start your technique and hopefully find the things that work and don't.

Thanks fellas. @utopian, which would you prefer, sandpaper or silicon carbide powder? And how would I use these methods?

I used a sheet of 220 grit paper and laid it on a piece of granite. You can use glass but watch your pressure. Something very flat. Best under running water but you can do it outside under the hose. Don't let the woman catch you doing it on the counter but just between you and me it works also. Back and forth flushing frequently. You want to rinse the heck and maybe brush the lapping stone between lapping you hones. You don't want to carry any grit from the 1k to your 4 or 8 k hones and start scratching the heck out of them . This is why it's best to do it under running water. That and they won't stick together so much as you go back and fourth.

Thank you, sir! And when doing this, how will I know when it's flat enough? Also, even though it's brand new, I should do this right out of the box, before using it, correct? And how will I know when it needs to be flattened again in the future?

10pups already covered how. I think I already answered when in another thread but use a straight edge held to various areas of the lapping surface in front of a bright light and look for gaps.

Thanks again utopian! Here is a few photos of my favorite razor I look forward to honing and restoring