Thread: When to add a 12k stone to my honing

I just bought a Norton kit that contains both the 200/1000, the popular 4000/8000 combination stones, the Norton Flattening Stone and Prep Stone. I decided to get this particular kit since I have plenty of other things besides razors that need sharpening and eventually I want to learn to set bevels and maybe do some restoration but one thing at a time. My goal is to keep my razor as sharp as humanly possible for the time being until I feel I’m ready for the polishing stone. I got my razor from SRD so I know it was honed properly but I’m pretty certain I dulled/rolled the edge with bad stropping technique (which has since gotten better) since it doesn’t cut as effortlessly as it did when it was new. The general consensus is to learn on the 4/8 up to the point that I’m getting good shaves off of it then add a finishing stone.


The question is how sharp will I be able to get my razor using the 8k? I’m sure it won’t be as sharp as it was from SRD (taking into consideration my entry level skill). At what point will I be able to say “wow that was a great shave, it’s time to step it up a notch and pick up a polishing stone”? What would be the difference in shave feeling/results between a razor honed with an 8k vs. using the 8k then finishing with a 12k? Maintaining an edge usually requires a polishing stone of 12k or greater so will I be going “backwards” using the 8k?


I’m in no hurry and expect to spend a long time learning and perfecting my honing/sharpening skills.