Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 12
  1. #1
    Junior Member toadiefuller's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Posts
    13
    Thanked: 0

    Default what should I get to replace my Norton 4-8

    I have had it for years, and it is cracked, and has chips. Its time to replace it. Should I just go with another one of the same.. or is there a better option... there are still two razors I can just NEVER get sharp with the Norton.. namely my beautiful Filharmonica.

  2. #2
    Senior Member rickboone's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Posts
    913
    Thanked: 83

    Default

    I have no advice on what to get, merely a question. I guess if you liked the way the Nortons worked, get another.

    How long have you had this Norton? Is it still usable by any means? I am looking to get some and am wondering the lifespan, I suppose.
    http://ashevillewetshavers.weebly.com/ April 26-27th come to one of the greatest meet ups of wet shavers!

  3. #3
    Carbon-steel-aholic DwarvenChef's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Santa Barbara, CA
    Posts
    2,814
    Thanked: 823

    Default

    Only reason my Norton 4/8 is on the side bar from razors is that I really don't like the 4k side and after the bevel is set I go to my Naturals. I replaced that with a 3k Shapton Glass Stone and like it for that grit range just fine, even with it's dislike of carbon steel...

    There are just to many options out there to make a choice for someone else. All stones have their give and takes. Norton's 4/8 is great in the price range and works great for razors. Other stones (SGS) may cut wicked fast and are very hard but one slip and your edge is ground off, very unforgiving. Others have a soft feel and seem more forgiving but wear away fast.

    Hope others can point you in a good direction, or if you know others in your area maybe you can try some stones out and see how they feel for you.

    Good Luck, Me I just keep buying more stones

  4. #4
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Posts
    1,588
    Thanked: 286

    Default

    if it was me i would try 5k 8k naniwa. they have agreat feel to them plus there is no soaking. if you want natural stone it has to be a coticule this could easily replace your 4k/8k. the choice is yours.

  5. #5
    Know thyself holli4pirating's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    New York
    Posts
    11,930
    Thanked: 2559

    Default

    If the chips/cracks are not deep, you may be able to lap them out.

    If you are going to replace, I agree the first question is "did you like your Norton?" If yes, get another one. If no, my preference at this time is Naniwa 5k and 8k.

  6. #6
    I Bleed Slurry Disburden's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Carmel, NY
    Posts
    2,458
    Thanked: 545

    Default

    If you don't want to get more nortons get the naniwa super stones, I love them.

    I think I saw Lynn say he would buy shapton glass hones to replace his norton once. Maybe try those out? I'm not a fan of natural hones being used outside of finishing razors.

  7. #7
    Senior Member sbrouwers's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Woodward, OK
    Posts
    875
    Thanked: 348

    Default

    I am on a natural kick right now, so my vote is Coticule BBW combo. I do not have any naniwa hones (yet). But from the way everyone raves on them they can't be a bad way to go.

  8. #8
    Damn hedgehog Sailor's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    SW Finland
    Posts
    3,081
    Thanked: 1806

    Default

    I'm with sbrouwers here. With coticule and Belgian blue you can do the same and more than with Norton 4/8.
    'That is what i do. I drink and i know things'
    -Tyrion Lannister.

  9. #9
    The original Skolor and Gentileman. gugi's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Posts
    17,410
    Thanked: 3906
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default

    Another norton would be the easiest - just lap and do as you know.
    Unless you're bored and want to try something else in which case there are few options - shapton and naniwa are probably the somewhat more expensive and somewhat different/better?.

  10. #10
    I Bleed Slurry Disburden's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Carmel, NY
    Posts
    2,458
    Thanked: 545

    Default

    The reason I offered synthetic is natural hones vary greatly, even just coticules. My coticule may be fast, yours slow, that adds a lot of variables. It took me a few months so find out my coticule is fast in slurry but slow in water, making it hard to bring the razor into good keennes levels. You would have to learn your coticule for quite some time to get nice results while a naniwa or shapton would give you results consistantly out of the shipping box. At least you would know if you like the edge from these stones faster than figuring out a coticule and THEN finding out you don't like the edge.

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •