first time hone

hey it has been a while since i have been on here and have countless shaves under my belt and have stropping down pretty good but i have had my razor about a 6 months i'm thinking and it doesnt seem to shave like its used to and i have done about 40 laps on my strop and it shaves but not like it used to and im thinking i need to hone my blade i have read a lot about honing a straight razor and have watch the world of straight razor dvd and i was thinking about getting a naniwa 12k stone or this set off amazon Amazon.com: Norton Waterstone Starter Kit: 220/1000 grit stone, 4000/8000 grit stone, SiC flattening stone: Industrial & Scientific i would like some advice on what hone i should buy?:hmmm:

I'd start with the Naniwa SS 12K and see if that will refresh your edge.

I think the norton kit is more versitile the just the one stone. Naniwa 12k are great but depending on your edge it might not bring it back completely as a few passes on the 4k or going all the way back to bevel setting. Honing does take a while for it to CLICK. But once it does its great. You can shave off a 8k. You can always get the Woodcraft 12k stone for $32 as a finisher.

Please use punctuation when you type, you post is pretty much unreadable.

Buy the Norton set and a DMT D8C for lapping, and you can pretty much be set for life.

it depends on your plans . do you plan on buying older razors and restoring them, if so get the norton set .if you only plan on using one or two razors and maintaining the edges yourself then go with the naniwa 12k. if you go with the naniwa you'll need a lapping plate. the cheapest way to go would be a barbers hone.

I would echo what's been said. The key to maintenace w/ a high grit stone like the Nani or using a barber hone is to never let it get very dull - or you're needing the lower grit stones. For a high grit stone, I've used the Nani 12k and like it alot. I have been curious about the Sigma 13k, which Lynn mentioned being similar in performance. I like the idea of the Sigma being a harder stone.

Should your edge be beyond the 12k resurrection, PM me for honing. 'Just pick up return postage.

How about a barbers hone, the right tool for the right job.