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 =]