Thread: 8k Norton to 12k Naniwa - Is a finisher worth it...observations from a Noob

I thought I would post up a few of my observations coming off of a weekend with some honing successes. I want to address an observation I have made based on the myriad of videos I have watched about honing from the various common sources, as well as a few not-so-common ones.

In almost all of the videos I have watched, the various honers comment about technically being able to shave off of a 1k, a 4k, and most certainly an 8k. I have yet to get to that lofty place on a 1k or 4k so I will leave that alone, but I do want to address the BIG differences between the 8k and a finisher, in my example, a Naniwa 12k.

Can one shave off of an 8k? Absolutely. I find that the Norton 4k/8k combo stone is a fantastic beginners setup requiring little in the way of setup beyond lapping. Slurries aren't much of a consideration, and they really are a go-to stone. After getting a good bevel on the 4k, then polishing on the 8k...the edge really does begin to take a mirror shine and the scratch lines are pretty minimized at that point. It strops well, and shaves nicely.

The progression to the 12k takes things to another level, however, and I really do understand why so many advanced honers use one (a finisher that is). It, to me, is like the difference between a hand wax for ones car and using an orbital and a polish/wax combo. One is good, the other is spectacular. Granted the barriers to entry are fairly high to the finisher stone world. Its another ~$100 for a dedicated stone, new.

Is it worth it?

As a noob honer, I would say yes. Anything worth doing is worth doing right the first time. The mirror finish on the edge is visible without assistance. With a loupe the difference between 8k and 12k is even more profound. The difference in shaving results is also resounding. CCS to BBS using the same steps and 2 pass shave (my methodology due to my sensitive skin).

To those prospective beginners out there who are uncertain about honing, I would say wait a tad longer, save up, and get the 4k/8k combo and a finisher like the 12k Naniwa as a starter set. It is a move to get a more complete tool box out of the gate. The advantages are marked, and having the 12k around not only finishes edges very well, but can also be used to do slight refinements and touch-ups on those that don't need any additional work.

Just my thoughts on how to get a good start to honing, from a noob to a noob!