Thread: an easy question for all you honing veterans

Bare minumum depends on what you plan to do with them. Are you going to hone from start to finish? Do simple maintanence on professionally sharpened blades?

I'll start with going from start to finish:
You will need at minimum the following grits: 1K, 4K, 8K
Whether these grits be Norton, Naniwa or naturals is inconsequential, but that is the bare bones of hones.

For maintenance, all you will really need is an 8K, and it would not hurt to throw in a 4K stone. A barbers hone is a good choice for this also.

As you said, these are the bare bones. 12K is the preferred final stone by most, but is considered a luxury. Many follow up with Cr0x straps.

If you are interested in a recommendation, I would suggest a belgian yellow cotcule with a slurry stone. They are some of the most versatile hones available, being capable of both finishing as well as setting a bevel. Check out http://coticule.be if interested.

As always, check the WIKI!!!