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For years I've relied on a 1k, 5k, 8k and 12k Naniwa progression and gotten excellent results. I noticed that SharpeningSupplies.com has a line of water stones, in four sizes, made in the USA. The 8 x 2-3/4" XL are available in nine grits, from 220k to 10k. The idea of USA made water stones interests me. Does anyone have any experience with these stones?
I believe there is an earlier discussion on that. I'll try to find it for you. I saw them, but don't need stones right now.
I think they are rebranded versions of Pride Abrasive ceramic water stones that were discussed here. https://sharprazorpalace.com/hones/1...ter-hones.html
Thank you Harold and David. I may give the 1k a try.
I have no experience with these branded stones. Even if they are not up to the standards set by some of the Japanese synthetics, they should work well for the intermediate progression unless you are honing for hire.
The two critical hones are the 1K hone that is the workhorse for setting bevels and your high grit hone (either synthetic or natural) used for finishing. The intermediate grit levels only get used when you are doing a full progression from bevel set to finishing. If you are only honing razors for your own use, you won't do a full progression very often.
According to the description of the Sharpening Supplies hones, they do need to be soaked in water for 10-20 minutes before use. That also means they will take a while to dry out. Norton waterstones also require soaking before use. Since I use most of my stones infrequently, I prefer splash and go stones that do not require soaking and dry out quickly after use.