To splurge or not...

[RazorCut]

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.

[Chugach68]

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

[outback]

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.

[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.

[Marshal]

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.

[Hirlau]

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?

[sharptonn]

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!

[daverojo77]

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

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.

[ultrasoundguy2003]

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.

[RazorCut]

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