Thread: 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

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

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!

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.

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!

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

Originally Posted by HHA

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

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.