Thread: Irritation off of 8k Norton? Higher grit needed??

I'd be interested to hear some more expert opinions on this myself. Currently I use a 4k/8k combo then finish off with a .5 micron film and then a bit of stopping on newspaper. There is no way I can shell out for another expensive hone prior to x-mas. Is this likely to produce the sort of smoothness needed or could I do better (on a budget)?

A relatively inexpensive option is a Chinese 12K, they can be had for $20. I'm very satisfied with mine.

the chinese hone is a cheap way to go about it and chris here sells packets of chromium oxide you could make a pasted strop with, he includes full instructions on how to use it, it will smooth the edge out for a more comfortable shave for you

your norton is overhone blades that is why you have that irritation problems.
Chinese is the chipest way and good one +chro oxide.
if you want to go a little higher then go natural stones belgian ,escher's you wont get wrong.
good luck and hope this helps

You should be able to get a very acceptable shave off the 8K. If your not I would continue to practice more with it until you can. Once you do that you can go upstream for the ultimate in smoothness.

+1 on what Spendur just said, the Norton worked to it's max can give a very smooth edge add a .50 Cr stropping and you should have a great edge... Keep in mind the Norton 8k can be pushed quite a bit, by how you use that stone.... Lapping it plays a huge part in this, lapping on 1k sandpaper or even lower creates a fast cutter, smoothing out the final lapping finish on the 8k creates a whole different feel and scratch pattern... Using the stone with water then letting it go to almost dry and a feather light touch will bring out a different aspect to the 8k also....
The best thing you could possibly do for your honing skills is continue to work the 8k until you get where you wanna be, then add a finisher....
JMHO of course

Thanks for the input everyone

I think I'll do what Geln said and just practice on the 8k more. I know I'll get it perfect sooner or later!

Dave

Originally Posted by clrobert60

A relatively inexpensive option is a Chinese 12K, they can be had for $20. I'm very satisfied with mine.

Where? I saw one online that was 30.00 and had to be paid to and shipped from the Baltic states. I passed it up.

Originally Posted by clrobert60

A relatively inexpensive option is a Chinese 12K, they can be had for $20. I'm very satisfied with mine.

I'd love a pointer to a cheap 12k stone... anyone??

Natural Polishing Water Stone - Woodcraft.com

They're running a free shipping special. I ordered the 2'' wide stone today. Looking forward to trying it after the coticule.

Jordan