Thread: what hones to use?

Originally Posted by Matthew Aldas

i was wondering which type of hones to buy? I currently have a combo paddle strop that I bought from Tony Miller. When the time does come to buy hones which should I invest in. I know that the norton 4k/8k is a popular fit, however I would prefer not to have to worry about flattening my hones. any thoughts gentleman.

almost forgot, currently shaving with 2 wapis that I bought from Mike Ratliff

I have the norton 4/8K, DMTD8EE 8000 grit and yellow coticule from Howard.
Norton is a nightmare flatten "I am very pigeon peas." But it is a good hone.
DMT does not need to flatten but is different.
Coticule remained flat for a long long long time. I hone is a very practical and versatile.
All of them work but prefer coticule.
I use coticule and diamond pastes on wooden balsa with very good results.

Dioni

I am one of the ones that really likes the D8EE (DMT 8k), I start on a D8E (DMT 1200), then go to the D8EE, then to some finishing stone (Chinese 12k is a great stone for the price) and the edges are the most consistent that I've ever gotten.

And yes, the D8EE will do the work of the Norton 4k/8k. you could probably use your paddle strop to do the final polish but a stone would be better (and would require periodic flattening).

If you take a pre-lapped stone and do a few lapping strokes with it on the D8EE the roughness goes away fast and you're left with a consistent, low maintenance, powerful razor hone.

Although, there are a number of barber hones to be had for pretty cheap. And when combined with a pasted strop, they're all you'd really need to keep your razors sharp. I use the DMT because I do a good bit of sharpening (razors, knives, chisels etc.) and don't like to fuss with lapping, soaking etc. if it's unnecessary.

Originally Posted by Russel Baldridge

I am one of the ones that really likes the D8EE (DMT 8k), I start on a D8E (DMT 1200), then go to the D8EE, then to some finishing stone (Chinese 12k is a great stone for the price) and the edges are the most consistent that I've ever gotten.

And yes, the D8EE will do the work of the Norton 4k/8k. you could probably use your paddle strop to do the final polish but a stone would be better (and would require periodic flattening).

If you take a pre-lapped stone and do a few lapping strokes with it on the D8EE the roughness goes away fast and you're left with a consistent, low maintenance, powerful razor hone.

Although, there are a number of barber hones to be had for pretty cheap. And when combined with a pasted strop, they're all you'd really need to keep your razors sharp. I use the DMT because I do a good bit of sharpening (razors, knives, chisels etc.) and don't like to fuss with lapping, soaking etc. if it's unnecessary.

so would I just use the D8EE, if I choose to go that route, and then either use a chinese 12k or my paddle strop. would that combo work well?

where can I purchase a chinese 12k stone?

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.