That’s why I still use it I never seem to get a wire of the 4K, seems those little pock marks "sheer off" the wire… that may be a good thing
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In my opinion though the 8K is mirror smooth surface after a good lapping, I don’t think I can ask for a better 8K side.
On a good day a decent razor it will split and sometimes pop hair off the 8K before stropping.
I think I will give the 4K another chance. I will get a few ebay specials in need of a beveling or chip removal, hone them up and shave with each and decide if I will keep this stone or call Norton and get this replaced.
Thanks guys really appreciate your help, now I know where I stand with this stone, I will post back with my results.
My Norton 4000 side looks exactly like yours and performs just fine. I think the small recesses if anything else probably aid in catching/holding swarf. I definitely had to bevel all edges of the 4000 in addition to lapping to 2,000 grit wet/dry from a DMT 325 plate. I agree with you that the Norton 1000 is more uniform in grit/surface, but between my Norton 1000 I had (sold it) and my 4000 (not for long....went to belgian blue with my coticule and DMT 1200......look to BST post in the near future!) I would never say the 1000 surface feels smoother than the 4000. Looks smoother, yes. Feels smoother, definitely not. That's just my own experience with my own Nortons so I certainly can't speak for all.
At any rate, again, my 4000 looks absolutely identical to yours.
Mine looks exactly the same too, but I have had no problems with honing at all. I would give Norton a call and see what they say.
Please let us know what they tell you!
Best regards!
Hey smythe:
+1 on the identical to yours.
But still works like a charm.