Thread: Beginner stone??

If i where to get ONE stone as a beginner would that be the norton 4/8k??
And can i use that with kitchen knifes as well??

A good beginner set is Norton stones that one can get from Amazon.
I have not used those so I can't comment about knife sharpening, but I' guess they will be fine.

The Norton 4K/8K is a good choice for a "beginner" stone IMHO, as it's been around for a long time and there's plenty of support for it here in the forums, and it's capable creating an edge, followed with CroOx, which you could shave with. Using it for kitchen knives will increase hone wear as the stone will have to be lapped more frequently, I use mine for some Japanese kitchen knifes, I don't bother to take my western knifes any higher than 1200 grit.

The norton's are good stones, but i really dont think you should worry about honing until you master other aspects of straight shaving.

With the exception of maybe a barber hone.

CroOx???

No I know that honing sholud be a secondary worry now in the beginning, but as I where about to get some kind of sharpening to my kitchen knife I thougt that i could combine the usage.

Originally Posted by MrWalker35

CroOx???

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hehe... This is what I always think of when someone says CroOx

Anyway, I think it is short for chromium oxide. It's an abrasive compound (it's always green that I've seen), and the low-tolerance, fine chromium oxide is a good finishing medium for razors. It's often applied to strops and used periodically and/or after honing

Here's an example of chromium oxide being applied to a leather paddle strop and a hanging linen strop from this thread:

Originally Posted by hoglahoo

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hehe... This is what I always think of when someone says CroOx

Anyway, I think it is short for chromium oxide. It's an abrasive compound (it's always green that I've seen), and the low-tolerance, fine chromium oxide is a good finishing medium for razors. It's often applied to strops and used periodically and/or after honing

Here's an example of chromium oxide being applied to a leather paddle strop and a hanging linen strop from this thread:

Good One Crow + Ox = Crox. I always think of that Steve Irwin guy..That's not Steve, but you get the idea.....

The Norton's always get recommended. I don't know why? They have to be lapped under running water big time, at first they feel like sandpaper, they have to soak in water for 30 mins before every use. Naniwa's are just as good, correction, better, IMHO, and easy to use. I guess we've been recommending Norton for so long, it's instinct. We don't even get a kick back. You could buy a Naniwa 1k, 4 or 5k and 8k and 12k.

At first, all you reall need is the 12k, to refresh a dulling blade. It's a great stone, you don't have to soak it for 30 mins, that's why i don't even use my Norton's any more..I might sell them, look for them on the classifieds....Naniwa are soft and fast, so you don't have to do too many strokes, better for a beginner, IMHO.....By the time you get used to the 12k, you'll be ready to buy more hones.....

I do not recommend Naniwa because they are more expensive.

Yes, they are, but their a better stone. I mean, who likes waiting 30 minutes to hone a razor? Also, Norton requires more lapps, not a good thing for a beginner. You can do a lot of damage with a Norton. A Naniwa 12k is perfect for starting out if you have an already honed blade that just needs touch ups, that and some Crox and your good to go. If I was starting over and knew what I know now, that's the first two things I'd get. I still recommend the Nortons, but I'm thinking, why? I never use mine. I don't even like them anymore...They are collecting dust as they say, I've moved on to bigger and better things..But, yes, they were the first stones I bought based on site recommendations....

If money is an issue, this may not be the hobby for you, because, when you start getting into honing, it starts getting expensive as you well know....

Here's the problem with Knife sharpening and water stones. They tend to be soft, hence they can be cut into easily. Knives require anywhere from 20-30 degree angle depending on what type of knife it is, unlike a razor. I recommend Arkansas for Knives. I guess you could use the Norton's. I never have. I tried sharpening a Ka Bar Marine Knife with a naniwa and cut right into the stone....

Originally Posted by zib

Yes, they are, but their a better stone. I mean, who likes waiting 30 minutes to hone a razor? Also, Norton requires more lapps, not a good thing for a beginner. You can do a lot of damage with a Norton.

I disagree

Originally Posted by zib

A Naniwa 12k is [close to] perfect for starting out if you have an already honed blade that just needs touch ups, that and some Crox and your good to go. If I was starting over and knew what I know now, that's the first two things I'd get.

I agree