I have been looking at picking up a hone set from norton. The 220/1k, 4k/8k, and flatting stone kit but I keep seeing the Arkansas stones. I have read people use them on straights but I have no idea what grit they are. I have only seen them labeled as hard or soft. Can I get a shave ready edge from one? The more I look into it the more confused I am. Should I just stick with the synthetic norton's that I know what grit I'm using or are the natural stones better.
I just sent out a blade to Lynn to be honed and I bought a vintage boker to practice my own technic and plan on using the one Lynn hones as a measuring stick.
P.S. I found some one who buys the norton and cuts them into1/4's and sells them for like 1/2 the price is this worth it ?