Thread: Interesting reply from Norton

In the thread that recently rehashed if the Norton 8K is really 8K it sparked a side discussion about whether or not they'd ever put out a water hone finer than 8k. Well, I took the opportunity to fire an email off to them, fully expecting it to get lost somewhere in the mix. To my surprise they did respond! First the message I sent to them:

I've been using Norton water stones for a lot of my sharpening

needs, and had a question. I've got the single grit hones up to

8K, but for some of my needs (shaving with a straight razor)

finer grit is maybe not necessary but typically preferred. Since

I don't want to step out of the Norton line for my water hones, I

was wondering if there was any chance you guys were working on

any water stones in a finer grit? Maybe a 12,000 or 16,000 grit

stone?



I'd also like to say that while I really enjoy your 4,000 grit

and 8,000 grit stones, the 1,000 grit seems to drink up a LOT of

water. So does the 220, and it also turns to mud when used.

Random thought, but it would really tighten the line up if those

2 'issues' were addressed. It would be really nice to be able to

keep water on top of those 2 stones without having to spray them

down every 30-45 seconds.

I took a moment to address the biggest complaint I see (and have myself) with regard to the 1K and it's lower grit counterpart.

What they said:

Thanks for contacting us regarding our waterstone product line. It’s always good to get feedback about how our products work and what new products our customers would like to see. At the moment we don’t have any stones finer than the 8000 grit product you are already using. We are considering developing something finer and will keep you posted once we have something to offer.


I think on reason the 220 grit and 1000 grit st6ones absorb water more quickly has to do with the larger grit size and slightly more open structure. However, your concern is noted and will be taken into account as we continue to refine our product offering.



Thanks again.

So...now might be a good time to fire off emails and show a bit of interest. If they're considering making a finer grit water stone, the make or break on that will be if they can sell them.

And it wouldn't hurt to mention what they could do to tighten up the lower end of their line, if you're interested in that as well.

Edit: Can a mod be so kind as to fix the title for me? The fact that it says replay instead of reply is going to forever drive me nuts!

Good work ! ...........

I see what's going on here,,, you just want to get to the front of the Buy List when manufacturing of this stone happens. Maybe even a stone tester for Norton.

I guess I had better get my email in tonight.

I would most definitely buy a 12k or 16k stone by Norton, or both. I love my 4/8 stone.

Originally Posted by Hirlau

I see what's going on here,,, you just want to get to the front of the Buy List when manufacturing of this stone happens. Maybe even a stone tester for Norton.

I guess I had better get my email in tonight.

I mean...if they need a stone tester I could be tempted to sign up pretty easily.

But I'd settle for being toward the front of the buy list should they actually develope and produce a stone.

I'm with Harrywally. Love the 4/8, and would definitely find the money for a 12 or 16 if they put it out.

Norton makes some fine products.

Their 3X sandpaper is all I use. As well as their aluminum oxide wheels on my bench grinder. I love their products.

Sent from my LG-K121 using Tapatalk

Just use a plastic squirt bottle, instead of a spray, and a plastic tray to catch any runoff.

I honed on a Norton 1k for many years and an 8k, till about a year ago.

Originally Posted by Euclid440

Just use a plastic squirt bottle, instead of a spray, and a plastic tray to catch any runoff.

I honed on a Norton 1k for many years and an 8k, till about a year ago.

That's how I do it. But when setting the bevel on a real PITA razor you have to admit, it'd be nice if water stayed atop the Norton 1K like it does Naniwa hones. I wanted to switch from my Naniwa 800 to my Norton 1K to set the bevel on my wedge, which I suspect is faster (or at least put the 220 to work and speed it up). But I also didn't want to be refilling the spray bottle every 10 minutes and filling my drip pan with water. If no one ever mentions that to them, how are they gonna know there's room for improvement?

And the 220 needs improvement. I usually won't even use that on pocket knives. The only reason I considered it for the wedge was the amount of steel that needed to be whittled away to get passed the pitting at the edge and find useful steel.

Norton does make and have made quality hones for many years. I have my grandfathers Norton 'Queer Creek' hone he used to spit on when honing his razors. Not sure when it was made, maybe in the 1940's, because they changed the name from 'Queer Creek' to 'Clear Creek' around 1946 or 1947.

The hone is in very good condition, I keep it in a wooden box for protection. Have not honed a razor on it in years, not sure what grit it is but may give it another shot to see where it fits in the progression mainly to get an idea what grit it is.