Thread: New to honing, which stones are better?

I like the Naniwa's myself. No soaking, Fast cutting, Good all around hones. 1, 5, 8 and 12k is a good set up. I didn't like the D8EE, but that's me. When I got it, I couldn't tell one side from the other, if it wasn't stamped, I wouldn't have known at all. That's the only hone I ever sent back. I have DMT's XX, C, E, and F. I use them for lapping quite a bit, no so much on the honing. A lot of guys swear by them and the Diamond lapping film.

Coticules are an entirely different animal. Not really a beginner's hone IMHO. They take practice to master, Each one is different, Some are fast, some slow, some are better cutters, and other's are better finisher's. As Jimmy stated, they are rated at 8k. The Belgian Blue is rated at 4k, according to the quarry.

Shapton's are kind of a high end Japanese synthetic hone. Again, many of our members love them. I've only used the 16k, which is OK. I didn't want to buy all the gear that goes along with them, DGLP, Pond, etc...You can buy the whole Naniwa line for that amount of money and get a great edge.

As far the 30k shapton goes, I've heard mixed reviews, again, I'm sure some guys love it. I've never used one, I like and use Nakayama's which are Japanese Natural hones. High end Naturals, and some of the best finishers out there IMHO.

Another option for you in 20 and 30k range would be Diamond paste or spray's. Even Crox will slap a nice smooth finish on freshly honed blade.