Thread: Beginner Hone Set?

Originally Posted by RKP

How does the Naniwa super stones compare to the regular Naniwa stones? I assume the super stones are a bit better. I have looked at the super stones and have considered getting it.

Richard

I have only used the softer superstones, per Lynn's early recommendation. He tried both types and thought the superstones were more consistent. That was good enough to make me an early convert and I am quite happy with them.

Thanks for the information.. It is really hard to decide which stones go with I like what I hear about the super stones , but the Norton set is good as well. So close in cost as well.

I can always upgrade to better stones as I learn honing. I just don't want to waste my money..

With my swaty, BBW Norton or Naniwas I should be all set for honing.This BBW I have is really smooth so I am looking forward to seeing how well it works. I want to get all lined up with the proper stones before I do any honing.

Richard

IMO, it's not a question of "better" or "wasting money" - people seem to pick different hones based mostly on personal preference. Some hones may work a bit better for certain razors (based on certain characteristics of the steel and characteristics of the grit/binder in the hones), but, IMO, all hones will work for all razors - differences in end results should be subtle and the same goes for differences in getting there.

The much larger factor is learning to use the stones you end up getting.

I bought the Norton set when I ordered my first straight. It was a great deal to start off with.
I was glad it had a flattening stone with the set because it all needed lapping to get it flat from the start.
After I got where I was getting good shaves off the 8k.
I ordered the Chinese 12k from Woodcraft. They had a 15% off coupon you could use so I got a great deal.

Silver2

Truly, either set of Nortons or Naniwas will serve you well. Neither is significantly better than the other. The important thing to keep in mind is that you absolutely positively cannot go wrong with either set.

Final question on this topic:

Given that all of my razors are currently "shave ready" and I will not be doing any major razor revivals any time soon, is the 1K stone even necessary. I could get a DMT coarse + Norton 4K/8K combo + Chinese 12K for about the same price as the Norton combo set.

Wouldn't this be a better idea since 1K stones are so cheap anyway and could be purchased in the future?

If your are only maintaining razors, it is unlikely you'd need to go below the 8k, unless you damage one somehow.

does anyone from the british side of the pond know if the norton starter kit is available over here? If so where?

Geek

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

If your are only maintaining razors, it is unlikely you'd need to go below the 8k, unless you damage one somehow.

Agreed.

Originally Posted by Fbones24

Final question on this topic:

Given that all of my razors are currently "shave ready" and I will not be doing any major razor revivals any time soon, is the 1K stone even necessary. I could get a DMT coarse + Norton 4K/8K combo + Chinese 12K for about the same price as the Norton combo set.

Wouldn't this be a better idea since 1K stones are so cheap anyway and could be purchased in the future?

Given those parameters, yes you could hold off on the 1k until you need it. In fact, if you only want to maintain already sharp razors, you could get by with just the DMT and the Chinese hone. The DMT being needed for initial lapping and for slurry production to speed up the Chinese hone. The initial lapping of the Chinese will likely last for many years, and even longer if you occasionally use the DMT for slurry production.

Oh, and if this leads to more questions, just ask away!

Originally Posted by Utopian

Agreed.

Given those parameters, yes you could hold off on the 1k until you need it. In fact, if you only want to maintain already sharp razors, you could get by with just the DMT and the Chinese hone. The DMT being needed for initial lapping and for slurry production to speed up the Chinese hone. The initial lapping of the Chinese will likely last for many years, and even longer if you occasionally use the DMT for slurry production.

Oh, and if this leads to more questions, just ask away!

Okay, so I have read the wiki 100 times, I have watched Lynn's vide and I have been reading the forum for two months now. I have a good understanding of what the different stones are for and where they fit into the sharpening progression. However, I am now slightly confused as to when exactly an 8k stone should be used. Is an 8k only really used after a 4k stone, or can the 8k be the first stone you go to in a progression.

I understand that the Chinese 12k or a similar stone is all that is needed for maintenance, I understand that a 1k is for bevel setting and I believe a 4k is for sharpening and repairing minor defects. So where does the 8k fit in exactly?