Thread: Bought the Norton starter kit, now what do I need?

I went ahead and bought the Norton starter kit with the 240/1k and 4k/8k stones and the lapping stone. So far I very pleased with my results. Should I start thinking about something finer than the 8k? And if so, what should I be thinking about? Will it actually make a noticeable difference on the razor?

Congrats on getting your set. First off, make sure they are lapped before putting the razors to the stones. As for what's next, get NOTHING ELSE. Not till you become good at getting a comfortable shave off the 8k. Give yourself time on those stones, the time you put in now will pay off big time down the road.

I will agree with the coach learn all the ins and outs of those stones before buying anymore stones.

Now if you want to indulge a little RAD . You can troll eBay for very cheap razors to practice one. I am talking about only 1-3 dollars a piece you can get some good honing practice on those razors. Just takes some patiences and not falling in love with any one razor.

I almost listened to the great advice given above. HAD took hold and I bought a shapton 12k as my finisher. However this is where I did listen.
Yes I have it but like you I am still just using the Norton stones and like you getting pretty good results. I am getting good shaves off the 8k but still
planning to spend some time with them and then moving onto the 12k.

Alas its still sitting in the box unused but I can hear it calling my name whenever I take the Nortons out for a spin.

Chris

my norton set is on order too. i got one of lynns shaving dvd's with the straight razor set i purchased from vintage blades. i was wondering about the coticule he used in the demonstrations and i was looking around for a 12k grit also. im glad i stopped here today and check this page out. looks like i will be doing some practicing. i guess i will hit e-bay and look around for some razors too.


jeb

Originally Posted by coachmike

Congrats on getting your set. First off, make sure they are lapped before putting the razors to the stones. As for what's next, get NOTHING ELSE. Not till you become good at getting a comfortable shave off the 8k. Give yourself time on those stones, the time you put in now will pay off big time down the road.

+1. You will have to use the Nortons a while before you will get any benefit from the higher grit stones.

Trust me, I have no intention of getting any finer finishing stone for a while

Wife would kill me doing that so soon after the Norton purchase. Just wondering what grit stone to start thinking about, sounds like a 12k perhaps?

I must say that I am very happy with my results so far. I have about 10 eBay razors and I feel that I got 5 shave ready, 3 are close, and 2 are simply not cooperating. I have been using a finishing stone for about 3 years now touching up my working razor as needed so I'm not a total newbie with honing but I do admit that I have a lot to learn. I'm going to send my working razor back to Bob Keys for a professional rehoning so I have a good baseline with which to measure my own homing abilities. Currently I feel that I'm on the same level as the razor that he sold me but it is probably because after 3 years it's simply ready for a honing (and not just the touch ups that I've been giving it). I'm sure that will be a good reality check for me

The cheaper 12k stones are usually naturals. The quality is kinda hit or miss.

You might consider lapping film for a finisher. At least you know what you are getting for sure.

I'm not one for the lapping film, so I won't comment on that. I've never had trouble with the C12 out of the box, and I've always used a slurry on it, diluting as I go...works fine... Some guys have reported that they vary from stone to stone. They are naturals, so that's true.

I know the pull to buy higher grit stones is great. I would recommend really learning the stones you have first. Especially bevel setting when the need arises. Once you have that down, the rest is gravy as they say. If you absolutey must get a higher grit stone, (And I'm thinking you will) I recommend a Naniwa 12k. They are synthetic and very good stones.
If your Norton lapping plate is flat, I hope it is, it should give you no trouble on the Naniwa 12k. They are very soft. Unless someone knows something I don't.

Good Luck....

Actually, I've read that the hone must first be christened properly. This involves various esoteric incantations, libations, and Hooters waitresses tossing hot wings at your feet. Or so I've heard.