Thread: Best Norton 4k Replacement?

I tried looking for naturals for all spots after my 1k, and before long I got tired of hunting and spending money and messing with slurries and inconsistant results and spending so much time honing. I'm now using Norton 1k, Naniwa 5k, Naniwa 8k and then either a vintage Thurry or an Asagi. Granted, you've got to find what makes you happy, but when you say "best replacement" my idea of the "best" in the 4k slot is a synthetic, and at the moment my preference is Naniwa.

For what it's worth, a big part of why I like the Naniwas is the way they feel, they feel smooth and "soft", actually, they remind me of my Aoto but without the mess.

Well, I ordered a Belgian Blue, so I guess I'll see if its any good. I can always buy a $30 Naniwa later. If the Blue works well it might tempt me to get a coticule.

The BBW came in and I haven't tested a razor yet, but I sharpened one of my pocket knives that is made from the CPM-S30V ultra hard stainless steel. Its always had the grind marks from where it was obviously sharpened at the factory with a coarse wheel. The BBW removed the grind marks in very little time (with a heavy slurry). The Norton 4k hardly ever made a dent in them. On top of that, it felt alot sharper than 4k sharp before I moved on to 8k, and then the suita. When it was all said and done, it could shave arm hair, not as good as a razor though. So this stone is definately worth it with a slurry and sharpens fast. Doesn't seem to do much without the slurry though. Good replacement for a Norton 4k.

Great call on the BBW. Have you read the honing on japanese naturals thread on Barts website for coticules? It has fantastic information about the J-Nats which may negate you needing to use any stone other than your J-Nat.