Thread: Torn between two honing sets

I think between the two Norton or Naniwa they both do the job it is personal pref or what you can afford at the time just my 2 cents. No matter which way you go the DMT is a must for lapping the stones.

DMT 325 (for lapping)
Chosera 1000
Norton 4/8K

Finish on the 8K until you can get good shaves. When you decide you're ready for a finer finishing stone try to meet up with someone who has a variety of stones and give them all a try to see which edge you prefer. I bought the 12K before trying naturals and I wish I would have saved my money. Not that the 12K is bad, but I just happen to prefer the feel of naturals.

I'll still occasionally use my 12K but I won't finish on it. And coticules can be very hit or miss. Some put an extremely fine edge on a razor while others are still relatively coarse. I've learned naturals can be very difficult to learn and understand and I've only just scratched the surface.

This is just my recommendation and what I would do if I could go back and do it all over again. (I say Chosera over the Norton 1K because I prefer the way it feels and cuts, for me the Norton 1K seems to clog fairly quick when compared to the chosera. And I originally started on a Norton as my 1K stone). I can't comment about the Naniwa 1K-10K because I have never used them.

Try and find a mentor in your area, it will be the best thing you could do to learn honing.