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I am wondering what would be a good hone (next step) to use after my Norton 4k/8K. Anyone have some input? I get a shave ready eadge from the Norton, but I am looking to take my edge to the next level.
If a pasted strop is a good next step, I am certainly open to that idea, as well, but need to know what pastes, etc...
Lotta' options.
This list is nowhere near complete...
- 0.5 green chrome oxide on leather or balsa.
- Chinese 12k
- Spyderco Ultra-Fine
- Coticule
- Fine barber hone(s)
Most of the hones will need to be lapped. The Spyderco UF maybe, maybe not.
Here's a link for a comparison of several finishing hones. Lately, I seem to be developing a strong preference for barber hones (especially Swaty or The Carborundum Company types)...
That study was done with only several razors in comparison so I would not recommend relying too much on it. These studies have a limited amount of credibility and the author has been inconsistent and contradictory with his reviews. Remember as well, that all of us have a personal preference based on what we have found to work for us.
I will normally test over 100 razors with a different media to get a feel for what is going on and how well something will perform before I comment.
Off the Norton, without going to the expense of a Coticule or Escher, etc, either .5 diamond paste or the Cromium Oxide mentioned are probably the best bet. You could also go to .25 Diamond, but the results have been mixed as reported by many people. The UF hone, or Chinese 12K are other options and both require a higher amount of strokes. The number of strokes will also depend on the razor at hand. There are also Shapton 16K and 30K stones, Japanese stones, an assortment of barber hones and not to mention the assortment of surfaces for the pastes including felt, leather, balsa, etc..
Have fun,
Lynn
The only reason I mentioned the link is because I have found that study's results to be quite consistent with my own results. I have not tested all the items in that study, but those I have tested fall right in line with my own results.Quote:
Originally Posted by adjustme69
If we're going to wait for every forum member to test hundreds of razors on a different hone, before they post a comment, the post count in the honing forums will dry up over night.
I would not knowingly post a reference link unless I believed it to be at least fairly accurate.
Thanks Steven,Quote:
Originally Posted by Sticky
I usually have a hundred razors honed in much less time than it took for that experiment. There are as I stated, a bunch of different ways to get to the desired result. I usually am looking for the ones that are easiest for the members, especially new guys and one that requires the least amount of strokes and are repeatable beyond just a couple razors.
Have fun.
Thanks for the ideas. I assume any hones will need to be lapped. I have been lapping the Norton with sandpaper on marble. Would that work for these? I am leaning towards picking up a syderco, since the price is not bad. Although the Shapton looks good too. What is the best way to lap those?
Thanks
Kyle
Sandpaper on marble would not be recommended for the Spyderco's or the barber hones. They are so hard that most guys are using a DMT 8C diamond hone or using the hones as is.
The waterstones, man made or natural, can be lapped with what you have. The Chinese 12K may take a bit of time.
My personal preference is a 0.5 micron chrome oxide pasted paddle strop used after the Norton 8K. But thats just me.:)
The Spyderco F and UF are extremely hard. DMT D8C strongly recommended. Use light pressure. Some report the UF as needing no lapping, I wasn't that lucky.
I was told not to use my Shapton Diamond lapping stone on the UF as it would reck an expensive lapping tool, so.......I lapped it on the 8K DMT and it tore that up a bit. That is some really hard ceramic. I get the UF to hit around 50% of the time off the 8K Norton after putting in at least 30 strokes or so. That really is the only reason I haven't used it much. When it does hit though, it's a nice finish.
Lynn