Thread: Is Norton 4k/8k enough for shave-ready razor?

As a newbie, I've been reading through a lot of threads which discuss what people are using for "finishing" their edge after they've used their Norton 4k/8k hone. Will the Norton 4k/8k not produce a shave-ready edge? Do I need to consider aquiring a finishing stone / strop of some kind?

I've got 3 Wapi's on the way and plan to order a Norton 4k/8k hone, plus a TM Linen/Leather strop. I'm just confused as to whether or not I also need a pasted paddle strop or a finishing stone to provide a final shave-ready edge on my razors. I want my shaving rig to be as basic as possible, but still functional.

Any input would be helpful...

- Ken -

Speaking for myself, and I am unanimous in this , all I use is the Norton 4/8k and a TM linen/leather strop (#1 Latigo). I usually get very satisfactory results. I don't use any pasted paddles or strops (I have them, just don't use them)

The Norton 4/8K and a plain leather hanging strop will be more than adequate! The finishing stones and abrasive pasted paddle strop's do make a noticeable but, for some, unnecessary difference. This really holds true if you have a really heavy/tough beard. There is such a thing as to fine/sharp of an edge for some people.

I too can get as sharp a razor as I need and as comfortable shave as I want off of my 8000 grit stone.

I do use a barbers hone in addition though, and have tried a couple of other things too. but these additional steps have more to do with convenience (my barbers hone is in the bathroom and can be used on the spot) than necessity.

As an aside the only razors I have overdone were finished after the 8000 on newspaper.

For me a finer grit or a pasted strop is an absolute necessity. I have a 12K Katiyama that makes all the difference in the world after it comes off the Norton 8K. I usually give it 12 laps with a heavy slurry; then I clean the stone and give the razor 6-8 more laps without the slurry to polish the edge.

In lieu of the 12K stone, I sometimes use my TM pasted paddle strop (l.0/.05). This is also my last resort if I just can't get the edge right--something one of the guys who knows what he's doing probably rarely has to deal with.

Larry

You don't need anything else. I think a lot of people purchase more "things" in a reaction to having difficulty in learning to hone.

Thanks for all your replies... This helps put my mind at ease, as I really don't want a lot of gear at this time. Just a str8, hone, and strop. Down the road, as my skills become a bit more refined, I may consider other gear but for now I think basic is better.

- Ken -

I'm in the "need something after the 8K" category. For me, 10K or 12K seems to be the minimum for comfort. Maybe someday I'll figure out how to get by with the lower grits, but at this point in my journey that's what I need. I think relatively few guys truly need something finer than 8K.

My advice would be to spend a couple of months working with the Norton, and if you find you're still getting a lot of irritation, you may need something finer.

Josh

Originally Posted by JoshEarl

I'm in the "need something after the 8K" category. For me, 10K or 12K seems to be the minimum for comfort...

I agree with Josh. I have some finishing stones like a Belgian Yellow Coticule, a 12k Chinese and a Thuringen (on the way ), but chromium dioxide paste on a leather bench hone or on a balsa paddle will do the same job.

Viktor

Going above Norton doesn't have to be too expensive. Glue a strip of balsa onto a glass plate, paste it with some 0.5 micron Chromium Oxide and voila. The finest finisher you'll ever need.