Thread: Starter set for noobie

I want to save a couple clams and get a set of stones to start. Should I get the Naniwa SuperStone 5000/8000/12000 or the Shapton Glass 4000/8000/16000? They are both about the same price. I like the splash and go stone. I know I will use them more if I don't have to soak them first, like the Norton. I am open to other suggestions also. You guys are the experts.

Either choice would work very well. I noticed that you didn't include a bevel setter? If you don't have one, either of those two sets should be expanded with their respective 1000 grit stone.

Off topic a lil but have u maybe thought about a norton 4/8 pretty much can do everything with that combo and lots of info here on that stone.. what I started with then I added a 1k and now gonna get a 12k.. only reason I'm saying the 4/8 is its a great stone for a noob and if u don't get the knack u could sell it easily.. the 4/8 will set our bevel and can b used as your finisher also.. if u get the knack then u can add the 1k and 12k

I've had the naniwa set for a short time and am happy with them.

Originally Posted by Airportcopper

Off topic a lil but have u maybe thought about a norton 4/8 pretty much can do everything with that combo and lots of info here on that stone.. what I started with then I added a 1k and now gonna get a 12k.. only reason I'm saying the 4/8 is its a great stone for a noob and if u don't get the knack u could sell it easily.. the 4/8 will set our bevel and can b used as your finisher also.. if u get the knack then u can add the 1k and 12k

Definitely agree, that's just what I've done. My first stone was the 4/8, and I set bevels and shaved off of it verynicely for about a year and a half.

If you think you want the Shaptons, get them. They cut faster, but as long as you don't over-do it on the 16k you'll be fine. They're also the only 100% splash-and-go synthetic stone that I know of. FWIW I started with the Norton 4/8 and I have recently switched to the Shaptons and I've never looked back. I still use my Norton 1k to set bevels, but that'll be changing as quick as I save up enough for a Chosera 1k.

I think the Naniwa's are the best to learn on, if your gonna go shaptons I would recommend the Shapton Pro's over the glass stones but hey it's up to you =]

I've been using the Naniwaa's for almost a year and I love them. They cut well, are easy to lap and most importantly, have given me great shaves on all of my razors.

One thing to add to your purchase that is very important, you are going to need a lapping stone/plate. This will ensure that your stones are flat and even. Without that, it will be very hard to get a good edge on your razors.

i have naniwa 5000 and 12000 and i can say that are fantastic stones.
You could buy instead 5000(superstone 64€) ,combination 800/5000 (67€)and instead 8000(superstone 73€) the combiation 3000/8000(79€)...the prices are almost the same..in this way you have a perfect set