Thread: Would do you think of Henckels 3k/8k?

I'm looking for my first honing stone. Haven't found a Norton in my area, but there's a kitchen store that can get me a Henckels 3k/8k. Will this be as good as a 4k/8k?

Thanks for any advice.

Tom

ps sorry typo in subject line; should be "WHAT do you think ...

I'm sure they make a good stone. the difference between a 3K and a 4K stone isn't going to matter too much as you will cover that up with the 8K honing. If the price is favorable Id try it.

I was reading about them here: TWIN® Finishing Stone Pro - NEW | J.A. Henckels Official Web Site

Apparently, you don't presoak them.

It'd be $100 Canadian and I wouldn't have to pay shipping because it's just down the street.

I paid $72 USD plus shipping for the Norton 4K/8K, maybe total of $80.00. I DONT KNOW THE CONVERSION from Canadian. If you like the brand Id go ahead and get it. They are a good name.

Presoak isnt a big deal, you just do it.

Looks all right to me. Says you don't have to soak it on the website, that's kinda nice. 3k to 8k should be fine, you'll just have to do a few more passes, not a big deal.

On the upside, if you don't have to soak it, it could mean that it is more dense and would maybe last a little longer.

Well, no one's thrown up a red flag, so I think I'll head over to the store tomorrow and get them to order it. I would say I'd get back to you with a review once I've tried it, but being a newbie to honing I'm not really in a position to be rating equipment. I guess if it gets my blade (in the hands of an amateur) in condition to give me good shaves, then it's all right.

Just know that it's going to be an uphill battle, and that if you don't have a professional blade for comparison, the hill is very steep.

Smooth shaves will take some work to achieve, shoot for shaving sharp, then work on comfort. In the mean time get a verified smooth shaving edge from someone around here for comparison/use (if you don't already have one).

Originally Posted by Russel Baldridge

Just know that it's going to be an uphill battle, and that if you don't have a professional blade for comparison, the hill is very steep.

Smooth shaves will take some work to achieve, shoot for shaving sharp, then work on comfort. In the mean time get a verified smooth shaving edge from someone around here for comparison/use (if you don't already have one).

I'm expecting difficulties, but I like a challenge.

I have a pre-honed Dovo on the way from Vintage and, from the by/sell/trade, a used Wapi. I'll use the Wapi for learning, and until I'm getting good results I'll let an expert take care of the Dovo.

The hone arrived today, 2 days after my new straight. I got the pre-honed option but it wasn't shaving great so after lapping the new hone on some wet/dry sandpaper I picked up for $.98/sheet, I did about 10 laps on the 8k, followed by a few passes on the strop and then a quick test shave. I was sharpER, so for the moment I'm happy. I'll get to experiment more when my used Wapi arrives.

Cool finding a new stone that looks that good. hope it works out great!!!: