Originally Posted by
Euclid440
Generally, a 1,4,8, 10 or 12k is a good simple progression that will allow you to do most honing from eBay fixers to touch ups.
You can finish on Paste or go to a natural from an 8k easily, Slates, Jnat or Ark or film.
Norton or Naniwia 1k’s are proven performers, but so are the $20 King, so you can spend your money on a finisher where it can really make a difference.
Chrome Oxide on a good 8k edge is very comfortable, on a 10 or 12k even better. I honed on the Norton 4/8k for years, my combo stone, (now a knife/tool stone is pretty thin.
You can set a bevel on a 4k and an 8k is plenty for most touch ups, but if you are learning to hone, a $20 King is a no brainer.