Thread: To splurge or not...

Originally Posted by Utopian

Two things about the Norton 220/1k...

The 220 is borderline useless. It is so sloppy soft that it is not very productive for razors.

The Norton 1k will work just fine as a bevel setter, but it is not ideal. It is very thirsty no matter how long you soak it so you have to add more water about every 10 strokes. If you want a better bevel setter in the same price range, two options are the Naniwa Traditional 1k or the Arashiyama 1k.

Regarding your 12k hone--it ain't. As a natural stone hone, it has no real grit designation. It MAY create a scratch pattern comparable to a synthetic 12k and it may not. Rocks are not that predictable.

Good catch, Ron. 12k Naniwa to the list!

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Well-said, Johnathan! (Finally!)

Just don't get started with those nagura!

I know Tom.
It is like hone crack. naguras are crazy addicting, but they are not mine, a gracious loan.
I need to get educated. right know I am honing my whole stable before I have to return them.
I might try to buy them from jnats. because I know they work. I will stay in the corner with the Escher and Zulu and wait for you smart guys with deep pockets to purchase and teach.

I started with the norton stones as a Christmas gift two years ago. They work, but the better is the 4/8 combo for sure. If it was me, going back knowing what I know now, I would get the chosera 1k. The shapton stones come in an equivalent, yet cheaper, japanese version. I would get a 3k, 5k, 8k. I forget the prices, but they aren't bad at all. They need no soaking, so it's just splash and go. Just my 2 cents, or just get one really nice jnat that cuts fast and polishes.

Thanks for all the feedback. I did a little looking at other sources as well just to get some outside opinions as well and I feel I have been swayed to the naniwa. Now to decide between the Sharpening Series or the Pro series. If the SS I would definitely go for the full thickness option and grab a set which would be in my budget if i go the pro route i could probably only swing one maybe two stones depending on which i get a deal on.... Hmmm

Good choice. You will always use a bevel setter. It will work for knifes and chisels. And razors.
It will last you the rest of your life.

One has already mentioned it, but I'd like to put in a stronger pitch for coticules. I recently purchased 2 larger and one smaller. Love them. Bit spendy, but I love the smoothness they impart. Use them dry, water only, or with slurry. One stone will take you from bevel set to finish.

What he said.
I'm missing the 10K still wondering if I need it or not though.

Originally Posted by dmnc

Would go for the full size naniwas including the 10000, will lesson the time spent on the phig. Enjoy learning. I've been learning for a year and still wouldn't say I know what I'm doing.

Originally Posted by daverojo77

What he said.
I'm missing the 10K still wondering if I need it or not though.

If you have an 8K and a 12K IMHO no 10K needed .
Smooth shaves.
If you go Coticule you learn to slurry and dilute to make the in betweens.
Same principles work for synthethics. Slurry's and pressure greater or less make the difference.
Play with any given grit. Use pressure and slurry, less pressure and dilute, and you will feel the difference. USB microscope ?? Pictures dont lie.
A picture is worth a 1000 words.

Well I ordered'em got a 1k naniwa Pro Series and 5k, 8k & 12k naniwa Sharpening Series + dressing stone. So now I will two finishers to dabble with right out the gate. Now I just need a good little inexpensive str8 to start experimenting with while my current is still in order. Should I try a gold dollar, a classified vint or take a shot at a flea mkt deal? Leaning away from the later until I have more exp.... What do you recommend for someone in my position starting out?

If you're looking for something shave ready - vintage from the classifieds here, or whipped dog. If you're just looking for a cheap straight you can use for practice and experimenting with the new hones, then either of the other 2 is an ok choice.