Beginner Set of Hones

He was just kidding. But the three olives: that's what steadies his hand!

Cognac is good but but vodka works better on the stone. no tonic though it's too sticky. the ratio is usually 3-4 ozs for me 1/2 oz for the stone. Makes the edge really smile!!

And stepping back on track..........

What about this set to get started? I could probably justify ~$105 to my wife.
Amazon.com: Norton Waterstone Starter Kit: 220/1000 grit stone, 4000/8000 grit stone, SiC flattening stone: Home Improvement

Also, I would think that three fingers of Maker's Mark with a water back would make for steadier hands...........

That is a great set to get started with.
Remember that the flattening stone will need flattening.

lol, wow. I'm guessing with a piece of granite or similar tile and sandpaper?

1000 seems right for setting a bevel.
4000/8000 is great for honing.

That is where I would stop though. Unless you can get decent shaves off an 8000 grit hone, there is really no point in going higher.
To draw an analogy, there is no sense in upgrading a snipe rifle with an ultra expensive scope if you can't even hit the target at 100 yards.
Or: there is no point in buying the low drag resistance swimming suits if you cannot even swim.

Stop at 8000 until you can get decent shaves off of that. Worry about going higher afterwards.

That's a very good set at an excellent price.

Okay, guys, how about approaching it from the other way around? Getting a 12K now and using it to maintain the edge for a longer period (assume I'm already starting with a professionally honed razor). Then, when the time comes, either send it out or buy the 220/1k and 4k/8k stones. Is that even a feasible option?

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Originally Posted by gugi

oh, lynn didn't tell you the big honemeister trick?
gray goose, 3 olives!!!!
once you get better with it you can branch out, for example these days i'm experimenting with fancy gin&tonic, but i've found that whiskey and especially cognac work really well for me - that hand's not shaking at all :)

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gugi,

Did Lynn mention the grit of the Grey Goose?

:beer1:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SlowRain

Okay, guys, how about approaching it from the other way around? Getting a 12K now and using it to maintain the edge for a longer period (assume I'm already starting with a professionally honed razor). Then, when the time comes, either send it out or buy the 220/1k and 4k/8k stones. Is that even a feasible option?

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That would work fine just as well, using either a Naniwa 12K or Shapton GS 16K will maintain your edges just fine barring accidents like chipping a blade or rolling an edge.