Thread: Norton 4/8K or the Naniwa 3/8K?

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

My routine for sometime now has been Naniwa 1k to set the bevel, pyramid on the Naniwa 3k and 5k and finish on the 8k. I usually test shave and then if I want to I go to the 12k for further refinement. I am liking the results I'm getting with this on all of the razors I've done it with and that is a couple of dozen. The Norton is a tried and true stone too though and I like them but I've come to like the Naniwas better. Just IMHO.

I have the opportunity to shave with a razor that Jimmy honed on his Naniwas and that was finished on the Naniwa 12k. It is a sweet smooth shaver.

Between the two, go with the Nani's. I would, however, recommend that you get the 3k and 5k though. There is a big spread between the 3 and 8 and it will take you much much longer to finish honing. JMHO

Ray

The 3K 5K and 8K??? oh Lord I need a raise!!!

Can one shave off a 5K? Would it not need a little on an 8K before going for it?

Yes, you can shave off the 5k.

Ray

For just touching up, would an Naniwa 8k be the way to go?

Several options are available to you. If it is between honings - barbers hone, hard balsa with crox. If it needs more 8k nani would work and so would a 12k.

Enjoy!

Ray

I have used both naniwas and nortons i have to go with nortons. Why i just preferd the combo norton and i found it easier to get results due to being my first ever hone i only hone with coticule now but i'd never get rid of my norton 1k 4k 8k norton its agreat hone to learn on and all you will ever need .

Originally Posted by krisbarger

The 3K 5K and 8K??? oh Lord I need a raise!!!

Can one shave off a 5K? Would it not need a little on an 8K before going for it?

I've just succeded with my first honing to HHT.

Setup:

Naniwa 1K - Bevel setting

Pyramid:
Naniwa 3k and 5k

Finishing:
Barber hone with soap
Denim strop - lots of stropping
Leather strop - lots of stropping

Haven't honed any other razors, but yes you can get there from 5k Naniwa (and Barber hone is pretty cheap to buy).

All the best,
Michael

All this talk is making think of the 3/8 combo instead of the Norton--$80 from Woodcraft + sales tax (nearly 10% here) vs. $90 for a finer, faster cutting combo that doesn't need soaking. Might need to save some pennies so I can get the felt strop/diamond spray in the same go & save on shipping...

Anybody used both? (The 3/8 combo, I mean.)

I have both, including the entire Naniwa line. I'd go with Naniwa. No soaking, fast cutting. Once you get them lapped, (under running water) swarf tends to build up. They're great. They are my go to workhorse stones. If I wasn't so sentimental, I'd sell my Nortons. Damm this HAD.....
The 3 and 8 would be a good combo. I like to switch it once in a while, 5/10 or 3/8 or 3,5,8..Less strokes more hones, or vice versa, whatever works for you....