Norton Hones

So after a few days of research I have come up with what I think is a good combination of hones and strop to begin with. I have looked online and found that Norton sells a set of 3 stones, a 220/1000 combo just incase I need to set a bevel, a 4000/8000 for finer honing and a Lapping stone. I decided to go with this kit because it seems pretty affordable. From what I have read the lapping stone has gotten mixed reviews. I did look at a video on YouTube in which Lynn Abrams shows the modular strop and it looks pretty good. This is what I am starting out with so any sort of help before I dish out the cash would be very helpful. Any criticism on this setup I'm trying to start with would be great. Thank you.

Hey

I have the same stones and you cant go wrong with the Norton stuff. I have used them and put good edges on a few razors. As far as the lapping stone if you can afford it get a DMT dia-sharp 8C. It made lapping the stones a breeze and before I use the hones I give them a quick few figure 8's and good to go!. Check out Glen's videos to see the whole process in action.

Happy Honing mate

Chris

Just keep in mind that the lapping stone, like any other stone, will itself need to e lapped now and then, and also probably before it's first use.

The Norton set is a good way to start, and indeed a good set forever. You'll probably want to add another, finer hone later on, but I would recommend waiting until after you can get good shaves off the 8k. Otherwise, there is no point in going any finer.

As for the strops, modular vs hanging is personal preference. I am inclined towards hanging for regular use, though I did play with a modular and that was fun.

Solid choice and a well paved road...

Here is a thread with a ton of info on just that hone :)

http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...on-2012-a.html

What was really good about it was that the people that participated ranged from Brand new first time honers, to Lynn so there are many different view points..

There are also several Vid links in there to watch

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Originally Posted by gssixgun

Solid choice and a well paved road...

Here is a thread with a ton of info on just that hone :)

http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...on-2012-a.html

What was really good about it was that the people that participated ranged from Brand new first time honers, to Lynn so there are many different view points..

There are also several Vid links in there to watch

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I've said it time and time again!! I could very easily live off of the Norton 8K edge for the rest of my life!!! I do use a finer finisher, but if I was to drop and break it and couldn't afford to replace it, it would be no problem!! However if I broke my Norton 4/8 I'd eat peanut butter sandwiches for however long it took to save up the money to replace it!

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Originally Posted by holli4pirating

Just keep in mind that the lapping stone, like any other stone, will itself need to e lapped now and then, and also probably before it's first use.

The Norton set is a good way to start, and indeed a good set forever. You'll probably want to add another, finer hone later on, but I would recommend waiting until after you can get good shaves off the 8k. Otherwise, there is no point in going any finer.

As for the strops, modular vs hanging is personal preference. I am inclined towards hanging for regular use, though I did play with a modular and that was fun.

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What would be a good way to lap the lapping stone.

Personally I use the DMT 325 and NOT the Lapping Stone. It’s such a universal tool!! You can use it to make slurry, flatten your stones, remove chips and frowns or otherwise change the edge of your razor! It’s well worth the money!

Once you get the DMT 325 I doubt that you will use the Norton Lapping Stone for anything but a paper weight!:shrug:

If you get the Norton 4/8 get the two universal stone holders and the DMT 325, I skimped at first and only got one holder thinking that it would be enough. Boy was I wrong!! Get the two!! Trust me!

Smooth Shaving My Brother In Blades

Gute Rasur /glatte Rasur, mein Bruder der Klinge

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Originally Posted by HHA

What would be a good way to lap the lapping stone.

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You DO realise you've got to lap the thing you use to lap the lapping stone, don't you? And that itself also needs to be lapped...

I was lucky enough to be given a Norton lapping stone, wasn't I, Chris? :-)

I lapped my Norton 4/8 on the weekend, only about the third or second time I've done so. It took my about 1/2 an hour to remove the pencil grid; I'm sure it'd be faster with a better lapping plate, but it didn't kill me. I was pretty happy with the flatness after that. Certainly it's much better than the really cheap one I had prior to that.

Like Glen says, that thread is really good. It's a lot to read, but well worth it. I was one of those that really had no idea what I was doing. What I loved about that project is that is focussed me, made me document what I did, and really supported me in learning from the experts in a close, friendly manner. It was really, really fun; one of my best moments on the site.

I really think Glen and Lynn and all those others are so valuable to us all. Imagine doing all this by yourself? For me, it'd be an absolute disaster.

I use the SRD Modular Paddle strop and have gotten great results with it. I prefer it over hanging strops for its simplicity.

The norton 4 & 8 are my main workhorses, after much experimentation with the other well known 'usual suspects.' Second the motion on the DMT D8C for a lapping plate. If you have the disposable income I would recommend my setup. The Chosera 1k for bevels, norton 4 & 8 single grit and the D8C. The single grit nortons are 1" thick. You don't soak the 8k so that is one less step and they will last forever. You can lay it on the side to hone a warped blade on the 1" surface. More $ but worth it IME. I too prefer a hanging strop for a daily driver but if you're going to use chrom-ox, paste, or diamond spray the modular paddle can't be beat for that occasional purpose.

Indeed good advise from JimmyHAD. I recommend the 1k "brick" and the 4000/8000 combo with a DMT 325 to flatten. The 1k is the softest of the Nortons and it is really nice to have 2 sides to work with as it needs flattening more often than the others. I DO think the 325 is too agressive in it's newer state for flattening Nortons. I prefer a worn-out one for this purpose. You might use the Norton flattening stone for a while, flattening it with your new DMT(and using the DMT on chips, etc) until it is worn considerably. Then it will be ideal to flatten the nortons for practically a lifetime. At that time, get a new DMT for those other nasty chores. This has worked well for me.

I started out with the same set. Fortunately, my flattening stone was ok. I did wind up buying a DMT C down the road anyway, and a few more. It's a great set.

Strops: A lot of guys cut their first strop. You may want to practice on an old belt, or something cheap at first. The modular paddle is a great tool, but I prefer a hanging strop for daily use.

For pastes and sprays, the modular paddle is the way to go. You can also check out Tandy leather, if there's one by you. They have leather for making belts that's great for strops, hanging and paddles. Check this link: https://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/.../4523-190.aspx

Now, if there's a store by you, they normally let you go through their scrap bin. You always finds long strips of leather that's perfect for making paddles or hanging strops, if your so inclined. It's cheap, so if you cut it, no biggie, you have more...Also, I've found the staff at those stores extremely helpful, tell them what your doing, and they're usually glad to help....YMMV.

Once you get proficient at it, then buy yourself a nice strop...

Good luck....

I have both norton combos and the lapping plate. I also have the modular paddle.

The 1k stone isn't as talked about as some others but seems to work. I can set a bevel quickly on a neglected vintage razor

The 4/8 is great. Fast, effective and a pleasure to use.

The lapping plate works but IMO it leaves too rough a surface on the hone. I used it for months before switching to the dmt. I prefer the surface left by the dmt

I keep the modular paddle on my bench. I use it after honing. I keep a hanging strop upstairs for daily use.

Michael

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Originally Posted by zib

I started out with the same set. Fortunately, my flattening stone was ok. I did wind up buying a DMT C down the road anyway, and a few more. It's a great set.

Strops: A lot of guys cut their first strop. You may want to practice on an old belt, or something cheap at first. The modular paddle is a great tool, but I prefer a hanging strop for daily use.

For pastes and sprays, the modular paddle is the way to go. You can also check out Tandy leather, if there's one by you. They have leather for making belts that's great for strops, hanging and paddles. Check this link: https://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/.../4523-190.aspx

Now, if there's a store by you, they normally let you go through their scrap bin. You always finds long strips of leather that's perfect for making paddles or hanging strops, if your so inclined. It's cheap, so if you cut it, no biggie, you have more...Also, I've found the staff at those stores extremely helpful, tell them what your doing, and they're usually glad to help....YMMV.

Once you get proficient at it, then buy yourself a nice strop...

Good luck....

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I do want to get a hanging strop for daily use as well. I want to use the modular just like you said for pastes and sprays. My neighbor is a carpenter and he said he could make me a four sided paddle all I would have to do is purchase the wool and leather. If i do it this way it would only be a few bucks and i wouldnt have to worry about cutting the strop. There is a Tandy a few miles from where I live I'm probably gonna head over this morning and see if I can find anything in the scraps. Do I want the leather as natural as I can possibly find it?

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Originally Posted by mjsorkin

The lapping plate works but IMO it leaves too rough a surface on the hone. I used it for months before switching to the dmt. I prefer the surface left by the dmt

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Something that I think that is sometimes overlooked is that we (Straight Razor Users/Honers) are the Vast Minority in that probably 99.9% of all sharpening devices are NOT designed for Straight Razors! They are for knives, woodworking etc.

We are adapting these various devices for Our Own Needs not what most were intended to be used for. When Norton designed the lapping stone straight razors weren’t even in the development formula!

With all this said, I think that overall we’ve done a damn good job of figuring out how to use what’s available to our advantage!! hehehe:tu

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Originally Posted by HHA

I do want to get a hanging strop for daily use as well. I want to use the modular just like you said for pastes and sprays. My neighbor is a carpenter and he said he could make me a four sided paddle all I would have to do is purchase the wool and leather. If i do it this way it would only be a few bucks and i wouldnt have to worry about cutting the strop. There is a Tandy a few miles from where I live I'm probably gonna head over this morning and see if I can find anything in the scraps. Do I want the leather as natural as I can possibly find it?

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Yes, leather as natural as you can find it. Avoid leather from fabric stores, as it's probably been treated with something to make it more suitable for upholstery. Something plasticky or waxy.

Lay out your candidate pieces on a glass countertop or other smooth surface, and run your hand over them to make sure the thickness is consistent. You don't want a little hill in your stropping surface.

For fabric stropping surfaces, you can use denim. See if you can find wide linen ribbon or belting, though. Real linen is nice stuff to strop on.

Look at some paddle strops online. Most of the multisided ones have some sort of cushion layer beneath the actual stropping surface. Could just be folded fabric.

Good luck with this project, it sounds fun.

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Originally Posted by mav13

Hey

I have the same stones and you cant go wrong with the Norton stuff. I have used them and put good edges on a few razors. As far as the lapping stone if you can afford it get a DMT dia-sharp 8C. It made lapping the stones a breeze and before I use the hones I give them a quick few figure 8's and good to go!. Check out Glen's videos to see the whole process in action.

Happy Honing mate

Chris

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Im gonna go ahead and look into that. The DMT plate isn't Rediculously expensive.

The norton 4/8K hone is the most priceless piece of equipment I own, I would never sell it and would buy another if I needed to right now.
I can't say that about any other hone I own, even Japanese naturals, coticules, etc...

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Originally Posted by Disburden

The norton 4/8K hone is the most priceless piece of equipment I own, I would never sell it and would buy another if I needed to right now.
I can't say that about any other hone I own, even Japanese naturals, coticules, etc...

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My Norton 4k/8k is my only stone I tried to replace with about 4 sets of stones so far, but never succeeded. I will rebuy my 4k/8k Norton the fourth time, I like it that much.

Alright I picked up my stones at a woodworking supply. I got the Norton set plus a DMT 8C. Pretty soon here im gonna lap the stones for the first time. Any recommendations on lapping them right?

You won't go wrong with this one!
gssixgun Norton 4k 8k Lapping - YouTube

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Originally Posted by HHA

Alright I picked up my stones at a woodworking supply. I got the Norton set plus a DMT 8C. Pretty soon here im gonna lap the stones for the first time. Any recommendations on lapping them right?

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Good selection! Draw a grid in pencil, no more than 1" squares, on each honing surface then lap it away under running water. The DMT plate will want to stick to your hones, that's normal.

Since it's a brand-new DMT,you'll want to wear it down a little before your final smoothing passes. Use it brand-new to lap away your first grids, then redraw all your grids, do the coarsest hone then do a LOT of lapping on the 8k surface. Word on the street is that you have to lap off at least 1/16th" before you get to nice honing grit. Some weird edge effect from the manufacturing. Now, if your DMT still feels as toothy as it did out of the box, go outside and rub it in the sidewalk for a minute or so. Really, no kidding.

Now give your 4k surface its lapping, and the1k, and the 8k once more, a normal light pass.

I realize this sounds bizarre, but there it is. I have done all these things to my own hones.

If you got the Norton flattening stone, you can probably break in your DMT by flattening it.

Have fun and don't let the neighbors look at you funny!

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Originally Posted by roughkype

Have fun and don't let the neighbors look at you funny!

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Thank you for all the useful information. That is actually how I was thinking of breaking in my DMT I only payed $16.00 for the norton lapping stone so I'm good if all I ever use it for is smoothing my DMT out. Im gonna get started on this this morning. As for the neighbors looking at me funny, ill be at peace once I know I'm getting a better shave than they are.

Also, since DMT 325's have an irregular surface as new. I take the shaft of an old screwdriver to them a bit before use. This knocks of high, loose diamonds which will really scratch the hones.

My advice is a little different than above

1 IME the dmt needs no work before lapping nortons.

I used mine right out of the box and it leaves a great surface on all my hones.

Rubbing a dmt on pavement is hone abuse!

2. IME the norton plate was great out of the box. It's fast and won't stick to the hone.

I recommend grid- lapping twice. First with the norton plate, then the dmt. The norton will work fast and easy then the dmt will leave a good honing surface.

Use the dmt for keeping the stones clean, flat, and prepped.

Michael

Well, you must be recieving a lot more consistant DMT 325's than I have. The last 4 I have bought came new with some loose, high diamonds and were not suitable for anything until "smoothed out" somewhat. I have spoken to several others who agree. By rubbing with the shaft of an old screwdriver, as I said, these high diamonds are knocked off and the plate is evened out. I like a smooth finish on my stones. Newer DMT's leave gouges and scratches, so I won't even use one for flattening until it is practically useless for chips, bevels, knives, etc. Rubbing on pavement? I don't think so! Each to his own, though! ;)

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Originally Posted by sharptonn

Rubbing on pavement? I don't think so! Each to his own, though! ;)

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I was suggesting not to do it.

Michael

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Originally Posted by mjsorkin

I was suggesting not to do it.

Michael

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I wholeheartedly Agree!! :rofl2:

OK, ixnay on the pavement. Before I had the DMT I'd just lap my hones against one another, starting with the coarsest one against the cinder block bove my basement sink. There's one very flat spot of cinder block back in that house. A nice puzzle for future owners...