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

Hey all,

So I'm getting proficient at honing using my 4k/8k norton. I do have plans on getting more stone, as well as higher grit ones, but as of now the 8000 is the highest I have. I have gotten a couple of old rusty ebay razors polished up and honed, and have shaved with them too. But they're not the smoothest shaves. The cheeks are fine, but the neck gets a little irritated. I know I have stupidly sensitive skin, but I can't help but wonder how much different it would be if I got that bevel polished up on something finer than a 8000..... Any thoughts? Thank you!

Dave

p.s. When I say I plan on getting more stones, I'm talking about the Shapton GlassStones

Originally Posted by StraightRazorDave

Hey all,

So I'm getting proficient at honing using my 4k/8k norton. I do have plans on getting more stone, as well as higher grit ones, but as of now the 8000 is the highest I have. I have gotten a couple of old rusty ebay razors polished up and honed, and have shaved with them too. But they're not the smoothest shaves. The cheeks are fine, but the neck gets a little irritated. I know I have stupidly sensitive skin, but I can't help but wonder how much different it would be if I got that bevel polished up on something finer than a 8000..... Any thoughts? Thank you!

Dave

p.s. When I say I plan on getting more stones, I'm talking about the Shapton GlassStones

Ok Dave...if you are looking for someones blessing to buy a Shapton 16K consider yourself blessed!

Seriously though, without getting too deep into the mechanics there is sharp and there is smooth. If you have sensitive skin I would be aiming more for the smooth and if it's scary sharp too that's a bonus. To do that it's more common to use a natural with a little slurry at first to get the a bevel shape that's conducive to smoothness (while still being sharp) OR you can use the Shapton high grit stones and paste.

My hide is pretty tough but I find I need to tone down the edge off a 16K with about 20 laps on a Chromium Oxide pasted paddle otherwise it feels like I'm cutting the whiskers off BELOW skin level...and taking a considerable amount of skin off with them in the process.

Yes, I do need blessing to get the 16000 Shapton!!! In fact, it's my #1 item on my Christmas Wishlist, I just hope someone gets it for me.....

Originally Posted by StraightRazorDave

Yes, I do need blessing to get the 16000 Shapton!!! In fact, it's my #1 item on my Christmas Wishlist, I just hope someone gets it for me.....

Well if Santa doesn't bring you one just remember...it's ALWAYS easier to get forgiveness than permission.

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