Thread: what hones to use?

woodcraft woodworking stores have then for $30 for the 8 by 3 and $20 for the 8by 2 but you have to lap them and they take a while to lap very hard stone

If you get the D8EE you'll need something to finish the edge with. Your pasted strop might work but it really isn't meant to do final honing, it's meant to maintain an existing honed edge.

The Chinese 12k: http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=4920 is great, but will need to be lapped (there is a hone lapping "how to" thread in the FAQ's or archives somewhere, you can use sand paper from the hardware store).

And if you choose to use those two together, I'd recommend lapping the 12k on the D8EE to benefit both surfaces (after you've lapped the 12k on sand paper to flatten it).

There are lots of good options out there, don't rush into a decision if you can stand to take some time and read these forums (basic honing, advanced honing, reviews-hones, etc), there's a wealth of information that could point you in a better direction, depending on your personal preferences.