Thread: Need help picking a bevel setter

I got into straight razors about 7 months ago, and since then, have gone hog wild with RAD. I've acquired more than 90 razors, and have been restoring them in earnest. I've also been scooping up every barber hone and hone that I feel has acceptable abrasiveness for a razor. Most of the stones I have are SiC. Many carborundum barber's hones, and I *think* I recently picked up a 4k/8k combo stone...no markings on it, but to my hand, it definitely feels like a 4k/8k. I have a couple thuris and some BBWs as well....That all being said, I'm good with polishers and finishers for the time being...

The issue is that my restored razors are piling up. I have a nice bin full of shiny, newly-restored razors that are worthless as shavers because I can't set a bevel...

So, to that aim...What would you recommend for a bevel setter. I don't care if it's natural or synthetic. I also have to keep in mind that I have furious RAD that isn't likely to subside, so this hone is probably going to get a decently sized amount of work...

I'm kind of leaning towards a Chosera, but that's pretty spendy. I know the king hones are pretty cheap, but I'm not sure about the quality. I know they are slow, but that doesn't bother me too much as a beginning honer. I would rather be a bit slow than to overdo it.

What hone(s) should I have in mind for a bevel setter, and why?

Thanks in advance.

I've had the norton 1k, shapton pro 1 & 2k, naniwa 1k and I've still got the go to bevel setter, the chosera 1k. I gave the norton to a new guy and sold the shapton and the naniwas. All of them were good. Some were better, IMHO, than others, but the Chosera is the one I found to be the best for me. YMMV.

90 in 7 months! - 3.2 razors a week - good effort

FWIW I use the Naniwa 1k & 2k to establish the bevel - I don't leave those hones until the entire edge is shaving (armhair) smoothly. I've been considering the Chosera too but theres really nothing to complain about with the Naniwas.

I have the Norton, Naniwa, King and Chosera 1k's. I also have a set of DMT's. I use the Chosera 99% of the time. It's a good all around general purpose bevel setter. I like both the speed and feedback I get from the hone. The Chosera is the last bevel setter I bought, and it is my "go to" bevel setter. Like the King, it's a very thirsty hone. Definitely needs soaking. The Naniwa does not need soaking. They're all good in their own respects. I like the King, it's just a bit slow, like the Norton's.
If I don't feel like waiting, I'll go for the Naniwa. I think Gssixgun breaks down each bevel setter in detail somewhere on the forum.

With all due respect, you don't seem to have any trouble spending money, so, why the trepidation now when it comes to such an important part of your hobby. The Chosera is a bit pricey, but all good things are, and I think in the long run, you'll be happy you bought it. 90+ razors and growing...? If funds are that big an issue, The King 1k will serve you well. If money is not an issue, I'd go for the Chosera without hesitation.

Here's a good thread: http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwi...9_do_I_need%3F

Personally, I'm a big fan of the King 1k. Yes it is slower, but, in my opinion, it leaves a better finish and has better feedback than the other bevel setters that I've tried(Norton, Naniwa). I haven't had the pleasure to use the Chosera yet and look forward to trying it.

Norton = consistant and moderately fast
Shapton = very fast
YMMV My go to is the norton.

Paul

Originally Posted by zib

With all due respect, you don't seem to have any trouble spending money, so, why the trepidation now when it comes to such an important part of your hobby. The Chosera is a bit pricey, but all good things are, and I think in the long run, you'll be happy you bought it. 90+ razors and growing...? If funds are that big an issue, The King 1k will serve you well. If money is not an issue, I'd go for the Chosera without hesitation.

It's good that you bring this up, but I never spend more than $30 per razor, and the vast majority are <$15. Also, many were gifts from relatives and were heirlooms, family friends that were barbers, etc...I am surrounded by a ton of people that support (enable) my hobby (obsession). The thing is...I kind of told SWMBO that I wouldn't spend any more money on razors until I got my fence up....I think I can hide ~$50 somewhere...not sure that i can hide $90

If I wasn't going with the chosera it would be the naniwa 1k. My thing is the speed. I also have the DMTs and found them plenty fast but too aggressive. The chosera leaves a nice smooth bevel (for a 1k) and does it quickly. If you're more patient than I am one of the others will probably suit you just fine.

I think I've got it down to the Naniwa SS 1k and the King 1k...

Chosera is just a bit too spendy right now for me, but the King and Naniwa SS are close enough in price to make me wonder which would be better.

Some of these blades are going to need some serious TLC because of chips and whatnot...I have heard that slower stones may be better for this, but I'm not sure why...

Jimmy and Zib nailed it down for you. Chosera 1k is the cat's gonads. Take our word for it. Can't go wrong with it.