Thread: Value for money progression...

...rather than necessarily the cheapest available.

I'm looking to buy a few stones in the near future, both natural and synthetic will be considered.

I have already ordered a DT 10x3x1" for £19 ($31) delivered
I have had a 4k Sun Tiger slip stone 4x2x½" donated to me

I am currently looking at the King 1k/6k combo, as this can be purchased for around £25 ($41), what are peoples thoughts on this?
Possibly looking at a PHIG as well, but not sure how different it will be to the DT?

What other options can you recommend to the budget minded honer?

Thanks in advance
P

hey paddy, did you see or consider this?

Classic Hand Tools Limited - Norton 8" x 3" Waterstones

the starter kit about 5 down. TBH i'd get the seperate 220/1000 combo and 4000/8000. I got the kit, great value for money but not convinced the lapping stone is better than a simple piece of 320 grit wet/dry and a glass plate.

I favor the Norton 4/8. Aside from it being a proven performer there is a large knowledge base on SRP of users who know the stone. Not sure how much difference in price between it and the alternatives.

not a huge amount given some of the stones paddy is talking about are single grits and a 220/1k combo is around £35 here. a 4k/8k is £70 odd.

The norton 4/8K is THE stone to get before any others.

I'd say go for the Norton 4/8 as well. It's well known, affordable and delivers good results.

Nuthin like a razorcon to fan the ole kit AD's.

If you want to stay cheap and already have the DT, all you NEED is a 1k. Buying a King combo stone will probably be the cheapest route, as combo's tend to be cheaper than single grits. IMO, a DT is in the 6k-8k range in terms of the finish it gives. Used with slurry, you can go straight from a 1k to shave ready. I know cause I used to do it off a King 1k.

The PHIG should be finer than the DT and give you a better shave. Small ones are $25 or so at Woodcraft.

All that said, I think any 1k and the Norton 4k/8k is the best way to learn to hone. Naniwas or Shaptons work great too, but are a touch more expensive.

I went with the Norton kit (220/1k and 4/8k). I've been well pleased with the performance and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. Couple that with Glen's videos on youtube and you'll be shaving with your own honed razors before you know it.

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You need to tell us how much your time is valued at. Cutting the cost in tools generally increases the cost in time&skill necessary to complete the job.

Thanks for all your suggestions, they are much appreciated.
I guess I'll be spending some time shopping around for a cheap supplier of Norton stones in the UK, as they seem to be approaching double the cost of buying in the US!
I am prepared to put in the time, as I find processes like honing to be extremely therapeutic.
I'm beginning to wish I hadn't gone to the razorcon now, I'm going to have no money left again soon! I already have mild RAD, and can't walk past an antique shop without asking if they have any straights, now I'm spending far too much time looking at rocks, and once the DT arrives it'll push me down the slippery slope to HAD lol