Thread: Norton 8K Question

Is it normal for a Norton 4K/8K to have two shades of yellow? The two shades meet in a randomly jagged line running lenghtwise. I lapped close to an 1/8 inch off and it is still there. Thanks

First off, I see this is your first post, so welcome!

I've only ever had 1 Norton 8k (I no longer have it), but I didn't have a problem that you're referring to. It could be purely aesthetic, is the surface uniformly smooth? How did you lap it? Have you tried a razor on it? Sorry for the questions, but the more information you give us the more we can help. If the surface is uniformly smooth and feels smooth when honing a razor on it, my intuition says it's just a cosmetic issue and shouldn't pose a threat.

If you have access to a digital camera (or even a scanner) a picture would help a lot.

I'm sure some members here have (or have gone through ) several Nortons, so if your issue is a common one I'm sure someone would have experienced it.

I lapped it with sandpaper on 1/4" glass, 220 grit until it was flat then 400 grit. It seems smooth. I don't really think its a problem but it makes me wonder. I am just learning to hone, and I am doing everything possible to blame myself for my sharp heels-butterknife toes. I will try to post pics.

It really sounds like it's just cosmetic, but hopefully you can get a pic up. It's funny you mention your razor having a sharp heel but a dull toe, since I just replied to a thread addressing the exact issue: http://straightrazorpalace.com/basic...says-what.html

Have you had a razor honed professional to have something to compare to? It's awesome that you're learning to hone, but it's always nice to have a benchmark.

Pics..........I hope?

Looks to be a meduim mixture issue. If you can feel no difference in the texture by running your fingernail around the stone... I wouldn't worry about it.

Originally Posted by DwarvenChef

Looks to be a meduim mixture issue. If you can feel no difference in the texture by running your fingernail around the stone... I wouldn't worry about it.

Agreed, if it feels fine I wouldn't worry about it. But I do see what your saying about the two shades of yellow.

I think it is just cosmetic. If I combine the hone with my cheap razor, it makes me wonder. (my razor just stamped "solingen made in germany")
If I can ever get paid, I will buy a new razor. I have seen the razors for sale on SRP, I just wonder how well it was honed. Not that i don't think they are sharp, just what degree of sharpness. Any recomendations on who to buy from?

Hi McFly49,

My Norton 4/8 is the same

I have had no problems with this stone, so please don't be too concerned about it.

The effect even makes it look more like a natural stone !!

Best regards

Russ

Originally Posted by MCFLY49

I think it is just cosmetic. If I combine the hone with my cheap razor, it makes me wonder. (my razor just stamped "solingen made in germany")
If I can ever get paid, I will buy a new razor. I have seen the razors for sale on SRP, I just wonder how well it was honed. Not that i don't think they are sharp, just what degree of sharpness. Any recomendations on who to buy from?

To be honest I think all of the razors being sold in the classifieds here are from reputable sellers. I have never bought a razor from the classifieds myself, but I would not hesitate to do so based on what I've read.

Instead of buying a new razor, have you considered sending the razor to one of the members here to have it honed? You can check "Member Services" in the classifieds for such service. You could also ask about your particular razor to see if it is worth honing. You say it's cheap, but razors made in Solingen are typically NOT cheap and are well made, so I'm sure you have a razor worth keeping (and having honed). Getting it honed is cheaper than buying a new razor too. But, another option is to buy a shave-ready razor (or buy one and get it honed) and use your current razor to learn to hone on. Either way, I think it would be very beneficial for you to try a professionally honed blade.