Thread: Coticule vs. Slate vs. Thuringian stone

So I have a razor, I have my strop, next in line is a finishing stone to keep my edges sharp!
Do i need to worry about something that will set a bevel?
Which kind of stone would be best and is affordable?
I've been searching on ebay and the internet and am finding all kinds of different materials and sizes and prices.
What does everyone suggest?? If I were to purchase ONE stone, what should I look for??
All input is greatly appreciated!

All you need is a finish hone . Unless you damage your razor , you won't need a bevel setter . As for which one , I would say get a Norton 4/8 K , for starters .

It depends. If your razor has been professionally honed and is still in great shape, you could get away with a touch-up stone, like maybe a barber's hone. However, given that new guys tend to dull their razors quickly (I sure did), you'd be best off getting a Norton 4/8k. It's a versatile stone that will teach you a lot about honing.

I'm even coming across stuff like this! Pressed glass hone? Looks like no other 'hone' i've seen.

VINTAGE Lillicrap's hone for old fashioned safety razor blades | eBay

Originally Posted by dave5225

All you need is a finish hone . Unless you damage your razor , you won't need a bevel setter . As for which one , I would say get a Norton 4/8 K , for starters .

Is an 8k grit fine enough for shaving? Everyone here is talking 12k or more!?!?

Originally Posted by brooksie967

Is an 8k grit fine enough for shaving? Everyone here is talking 12k or more!?!?

8k is shave ready if done right....we are spoiled and use higher finishers but the improvements are little or none if you cant hone up to 8k.

Originally Posted by Disburden

8k is shave ready if done right....we are spoiled and use higher finishers but the improvements are little or none if you cant hone up to 8k.

Yes. This.

A polished turd is still a turd. One must learn the basics first. I'm not talking about creating a foundation (setting a bevel) but that is a great skill to have also.

A norton 8k can serve a wide range of functions depending on how the stone is prepped.

Originally Posted by brooksie967

Is an 8k grit fine enough for shaving? Everyone here is talking 12k or more!?!?

Yes the 8k is fine enough for shaving , finer grit hones will give you a smoother edge . The finer the grit , the smoother the edge . I spent my first year shaving with edges I honed on my Norton 4/8k . The edge is a little harsh , compared to my Shapton 15k , but a little extra stropping will take most of the harshness away . I have a Japanese natural hone that makes the Shapton seem harsh . The nice thing about the 4/8k is that you have the 4k side to go back to , if you mess up your edge .

Now with all this said, is there a list of particular brands/types to strictly stay away from!?

Originally Posted by brooksie967

I'm even coming across stuff like this! Pressed glass hone? Looks like no other 'hone' i've seen.

VINTAGE Lillicrap's hone for old fashioned safety razor blades | eBay

That hone is made for DE blades , not straight razors .