Thread: Torn between two honing sets

Hey everybody, I decided to dive into honing my own razors so that I wouldn't have to send them out anymore and I could also teach my friends how to hone their razors. Only problem is, I don't know whether to buy the Norton 4 stone set or the Naniwa 3 stone set, which includes the 12k finisher. I know some people can shave right off the Norton 8k but eventually I'm gonna need a finisher for a smoother shave. I've debated on getting a coticule but decided that should be for down the road. Excited to hear what you guys think. Thank you, have a good day.

Here is my recommendation, hope funds allow it.
325 DMT diamond
1k Chosera
4/8k Norton
12k Super stone

That should be as versatile as it gets.

Either way that you go, you will also need a 1k for setting the bevel and a DMT 8C (325 grit) for lapping the hones. I went Norton 1k, 4k/8k combo and Naniwa 12k. Be advised that you can shave off of the Norton 8k, if you need to.

Thanks for the recommendations! Question, how comfortable is the shave from the Norton 8k? I was thinking maybe I'll go with the Norton. 220/1k, 4k/8k and lapping stone combo for sale at SRD and then just picking up a Naniwa 12k for a complete hone setup. Would this be a recommended setup for a beginner?

how is your shaving experience ,, honing can come later after you learn to shave well and strop and to refresh , and the opinion is the Nani 12k to start out refreshing ,,, TC

Originally Posted by Jledesma22

Thanks for the recommendations! Question, how comfortable is the shave from the Norton 8k? I was thinking maybe I'll go with the Norton. 220/1k, 4k/8k and lapping stone combo for sale at SRD and then just picking up a Naniwa 12k for a complete hone setup. Would this be a recommended setup for a beginner?

the 220 is useless for razors, I personally did not like the 1k either it felt too gritty ,drinks a lot of water and dishes very fast.
You may be able to get good shaves after the 8k but you will have to get experienced with it, and have a pasted strop to use after the hone.

Each person has there own favorite hones as well as razors. For me it's the 1K-3/8K-12K naniwa. these stones for me are the easiest to use. I had the 4/8 Norton and really didn't like it. The naniwa doesn't drink to much water and does give a really good edge. I know that a lot of folks shave off the 8K but for me I want the extra sharp edge that the 12K gives. When I got that down like I thought it should be a friend showed me the Suehiro 20K. Hones like razors are addicting. The 220 stone is great to cut a bevel on a edge that is in extremely bad shape. As you will find out there are many many many hones out there and I have not tried them all but between the Norton and the naniwa the naniwa was the easiest for me to use. The DMT 325 diamond plate to me is essential to keeping the hones flat and clean. Anyway that's my take on hones .

If your joining date closely matches you experience shaving with and honing straight razors it might be a fair while before you will be able to teach friends how to hone their own razors. I can take a while to learn how to get "consistently" good edges for shaving. I would learn to shave proficiently with a straight razor first maintaining it with good stropping technique which also has a learning curve.

That said maybe a Naniwa 12k finishing hone to start with to touch up the edge when stropping no longer will do it. I would add from there. OTH if you are going to try your hand at restoring old blades that may have chips and other defects to correct then you could go for Naniwa hones in 1K, 3K, 8K and 12K to start with. You should also have something like a DMT 325 to lap your hones flat and clean them up. It all depends on what you want to do.

Bob

Thanks for the info. I've been using a straight razor for a couple of years now. I get really comfortable shaves with all my razors but I'm just tired of traveling down to Ross cutlery in LA to get my razors honed. And when they do hone it can be a hit or miss experience. I come to this site quite often to read reviews of razors and brushes but just recently joined so that I can chime in on some questions of my own instead of trying to find a question of the same topic asked by another member. I got everything I need. Razors, strop, brush, soaps, creams and aftershave. The only thing I want is to hone my own blades. I feel like I might be able to put a better edge on my blades then the guys over at Ross cutlery. Great store by the way. If you live in LA it's definitely worth checking out. They carry some nice vintage razors and just recently started carrying a USA brand called the Grim Blades.

Originally Posted by Jledesma22

Thanks for the info. I've been using a straight razor for a couple of years now. I get really comfortable shaves with all my razors but I'm just tired of traveling down to Ross cutlery in LA to get my razors honed. And when they do hone it can be a hit or miss experience. I come to this site quite often to read reviews of razors and brushes but just recently joined so that I can chime in on some questions of my own instead of trying to find a question of the same topic asked by another member. I got everything I need. Razors, strop, brush, soaps, creams and aftershave. The only thing I want is to hone my own blades. I feel like I might be able to put a better edge on my blades then the guys over at Ross cutlery. Great store by the way. If you live in LA it's definitely worth checking out. They carry some nice vintage razors and just recently started carrying a USA brand called the Grim Blades.

Now I that I know you are experienced at shaving with a straight razor I will let the second part of what I posted stand. Whichever way you do decide to go with the honing set up I am sure you will find it an enjoyable and sometimes frustrating experience. Enjoy the ride.

Bob