Advice needed re 6000 or 8000 grit waterstone

I've just signed up as a newbie and need a bit of advice.

I've got a large-ish DE collection that I'm finally happy with and have decided to explore the world of straight shavinga bit more.

I've got a couple of cheap Chinese straights I've been learning on and am looking to have a go at honing them myself in order to see what sort of results I can get from them.

I've got a Norton 1000/4000 waterstone on the way from a BST thread in another forum and was thinking (based upon what I have read on various forums), of getting a waterstone in the 6000 to 8000 grit range.

I note that in the UK, an 8000 grit Norton or Japanese waterstone is almost twice the price of a 6000 grit Japanese waterstone and, as I want to try and keep initial costs down, I was wondering whether I could get away with purchasing a 6000 grit waterstone or is a 8000 grit waterstone a clear necessity.

I do have a barber hone (an AAT strop-back hone - which I presume is around the 10000 grit mark), as well and would intend to use this after the 6000 / 8000 grit waterstone.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

I think the 8K is the best choice. 6K is kind of an odd duck in hones. The 8 is really a finisher in it's own right the 6 is not quite a finisher or a heavy duty honer.

Just my opinion.

8k is right a the level of finishing

Your barber hone is probably more in the 8k range so you may be able to get away with just using that. If your looking to not spend much many barbers did just that.

Another option is a coticule which can be found for a relatively good price.

Another also is getting some dovo red and black paste. Apply to a leather strop or old belt. Hone up to the 4k and then go to dovo red and then black.

Also I hope you have read about how to work with those razors. I like them but the need some TLC to get perfect.

Welcome to the forum.

Another vote for 8k.

Also, make sure those "cheap Chinese" blades are even worth trying on.

Michael

Before buying anything you could try honing with what you have. I've gotten some really nice edges using a similar set-up of 800/4k/barber hone. I got my best results doing a pyramid hone between the 4k and the barber hone.

I regularly use a 6k in place of the 4k. I have shaved from the 6k. I now have an 8k and can shave very comfortably from it. Go with the 8k. You will likely be looking for a finisher beyond the 8k before long.

Welcome to SRP.

It just keeps getting better.

Thanks for all your advice, ideas and suggestions guys.

I managed to find a Naniwa 8k waterstone in the UK for a cheaper price than getting a Norton waterstone shipped from the US, and it came in a only a few £ more than a King 6K waterstone.

Now all I've got to do is wait for it to be delivered, and then the fun starts. :)

Glad to hear you found one closer. You'll like Naniwa, they're great stones. You probably already know this, but make sure you have a good sharp bevel set before going to the 8k and then light strokes and polish that bevel and edge. Good Luck!

Regards,

Howard