Thread: To splurge or not...

So for christmas family members as usual asked if I needed /wanted anything for presents. We'll I got a c12k that I asked for from woodcraft, a stone holder, a norton flattening stone and some money.

So while I'm not ready to pull the trigger on full fledge honing I would like to get a setup for when I do. Atleast before I spend my cash on something other and knowing myself, thats sooner rather than later.

I have considered some things and fairly certain I've narrowed it down to some of the more tried and true popular picks for my first hone set.

I can get a norton 4 stone set
220/1000/4000/8000 set for $238

Or

A Naniwa set
220/1000/5000 $150 ($120 half thick)
220/1000/5000/10000 $225 ($180 halfthick)

I'm not sure if I would even need the naniwa10k now having the c12k...

I'm somewhat torn between these but for some reason leaning towards the nortons.

Thoughts?

If you know of a better deal or have a different suggestion please let me know.

I got the Norton im83 set. Along with my 12k, it does everything needed and I am very happy with it.

I've been using the Naniwas for a year now. I love um
About to add two more to my set because I restore quite a few straights.
So my set will be complete, besides adding a pro series 1000 (green) soon.

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.

I have a set of Nortons. They get the job done. Not exactly happy with them though. FWIW, I would recommend going with Naniwas. I feel like there's a reason most people eventually gravitate toward them.

You can cover all the bases on the Norton's by getting the combo stones from SRD for $116.98 ,,, why would you want to pay $230.00 to get individuals?

I don't go in for the hone AD's, but I use a Naiwa and/or Norton 1k, a Norton 4/8, and a Naniwa 12k/Escher a whole lot.
Goof off some with coti and other things.
It works for me!
YMMV!

Plainly You get what you pay for.
If your going to jump in jump all the way. First you must have a bevel setter.
Norton 220/1000 is junk, in that It needs a long soak before its ready, the 220 side turns to mud to quote Utopian. He is correct.
The 1000 grit side needs to be lapped by 1/8 inch to get to good hone. Shes a gritty Beach. If you want feedback Norton 1K will talk to you the whole way.
Chosera1K is the brick that costs but you will never need to buy another. Its thick,needs a short 5min soak and occasional water.
Norton does dry quickly and needs constant water added.
Speaking from my pocket book. Buy the best you can afford once.
The Norton 4/8K is as solid as they come.
Just thinking about honing??
Naniwas are solid performers. that will get you to your 12K.
How far do you want to jump between hones 1 to 5 to 8 to 12 . Pressure and slurry can get your there without the in betweens
1K Chosera 4/8K Norton and you are at your 12K stone. 2 stones to buy. Ask how many guys have all of them an regularly use them.
Lastly how many razors do you hone?
Proffesional use each one and charge you for it. Buying for yourself 2 stones and more money for razors

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.

Well-said, Johnathan! (Finally!)

Just don't get started with those nagura!