Thread: Honing set - Question about Shapton lapping

Thanks to all of you for your input. This is very helpful to me. So DGLP is not mandatory, you can buy the more reasonable DMT8C and it works also.

As I can see
- 5K/8K/12K naniwas + lapping stone = +- 200$
- 4K/8K/16K Shapton + Holder + DMT8C = +- 350 $
- Norton 4/8 + Coticule = +- 230$

Looks like Lynn and many others seem to like naniwas and I also have read they might be better for beginners. I understand that results are pretty similar (12K naniwas similar to 16K shapton ?).

I ordered and watched Howard DVD about Shapton. It was interesting although I was a little frustrated that they spent more time shaving and chatting than explaining honing. I wonder if you can use his technique with naniwas. I suppose yes. Shapton system seems very attractive but after reading you all, I probably will stick with Naniwas for now. Can always upgrade later if I get really serious.

Thanks again to all of you.
Yves

SRD sells the 5,8, & 12k as the Naniwa Value Pack for $174. I think the 220 grit Naniwa lapping stone is ~$22. Or you could get a D8C. Either works.

Just for the record, there is absolute no reason why you need the shapton holder, so you can knock $75 off the shapton price tag.

I set them on top of a folded up dishtowel on the edge of my table and hone away.

If you feel you MUST have a holder, you can get a generic one that will hold practically any hone you want, for about $15.

Thanks Veedub65

I was wondering about that. I guess you can even cut a piece of plywood with some rubber on top or something so it holds the stone. Any idea where you can buy those stone holders ?

That means that price gets closer. 200$ Naniwa vs 275$ Shapton. It comes down then what is best for beginning. Seems like opinions are split on that.

Thanks again.
Yves

As somebody who owns and uses all those stones I have bad news for you....

It does not matter which of those sets you get....

Honest I think Jimmy has used this quote before in cases like this, "Sometimes it is the Indian not the Bow that shoots the arrow"

The only change to your plan I wuld make if I were you, is if you go for the Norton set, get the whole set, it should run about $120 for the 220/1k the 4/8 and the Norton Lapping stone... This will set you up for the future better in case you happen to want to start buying razors off E-bay "heaven forbid you catch RAD"

Any of those 3 choices will work Honest they really will...