Thread: Anything cheaper than the Norton 4k/8k to start with?

Hey guys,

Just joined. I was wondering if you have to start with the Norton 4k/8k? It is kind of expensive, and I wonder if there is anything cheaper that I could buy?

Also,
Will a 0000 Steel Wool pad suffice for removing rust?

Thanks for the help.

-Noah

Hey Baboon from Germany,

It depends what you are doing. If you are restoring a blade from ebay the best value for money is probably the Norton. If you are just maintaining an already shaving razor you could get a barber hone or pasted strop for much less.

I tried steel wool on razors but it's a pain in the butt and didn't really work for me. Wet/dry sandpaper starting at 600 give or take depending on how bad the stain/rust/pitting is is just as cheap and more affective. Have a look through the restoration for more info on sanding and restoring blades.

Cheers,
David.

Am I right in thinking that Japanese waterstones are cheaper than the Norton? Thought I read that somewhere...

James.

Originally Posted by germanbaboon

Hey guys,

Just joined. I was wondering if you have to start with the Norton 4k/8k? It is kind of expensive, and I wonder if there is anything cheaper that I could buy?


-Noah

For removing light rust and staining, I just use MAAS polish and a Dremmel with felt wheels. I have a couple of razors that might need more than this but they are still on my project bench and this is still where I will start.

For sharpening I use Sun Tiger brand slip stones from here:

http://www.w-u.com/wucatresults.htm?snum=26375

They are slower than a Norton but do work well.

You bet!!! Have one of the members hone it for you.....hahahahaha

Have fun.

Lynn

The Norton is our workhorse and a very good tool for a learner, but Wildtim's recomendations are an interesting and very inexpnesive alternative. If you have some experience with sharpening knives and such I'd say you stand a good chance of making them work for you.

Another option is an abrasive pasted paddle strop, but there will come a point in the life of every edge when it needs a hone. This is around six months for the average razor and beard.

If you want to take Lynn's advice, PM me. I can get it started for you.

X

Anyone have good experiences with those Sun Tiger hones?

I've used them but they're slow. Other than that, they've done the trick for me. There are a few threads on them.

Tonys Thuringens are good value for money for a finishing hone. Just did another razor of ebay with a Kimberly then the Thuringen, no more that 6 on the kimberly followed by 10 on the thuringen and hey presto, Shave ready.

PuFF

Whats a Kimberly?