Thread: Belgians vs the Norton

Howard, et al....please refresh my mind as to the intrinsic differences of the Belgian Coticle stones as opposed to the Norton 4k/8k. As I recall, the major difference is in the "swarf" created by the garnet content of the Belgians ....is there a hardness difference, as well? Do the grit sizes, as best estimated, match-up?

Thanks! :?

I find that the Coticule produces a little better polish, but it definitely requires a few more strokes than the Norton 8K. It's fun experimenting between the two. The grits seem pretty close though.

Arn't the Belgian stone natural adn the Norton man made too.

Tony

Lynn, Do you use the blue Belgian or usually the 1000 Norton when using the coarse stone? Do you use Belgians or Nortons more often? MikeB :?:

If I need to get a nick or large ding out of the blade, I use a Norton 1000 followed by the 4K/8K combo stone. I sometimes will use the Coticule in place of or in addition to the 8K. I have tried the Belgium Blue stone, but so far, it is no where near replacing the Norton. I do still experiment with all my barber hones as well, but mainly just for refreshing an already honed razor.

There is another difference $$$$. The Norton 4k/8k is cheaper. Another plus in my book.

Lynn, I know that you soak your Norton stones, but I have heard from several dealers that soaking is not necessary on the 8000 grit, and some have even said that a splash of water is all that is needed on the 4000 grit as well. If that were true, I would be more inclined to purchase and use the Norton, as I hate to soak stones! Have you tried using them without soaking, and what were the results? Since I know you soak them, I am expecting the worst here, but would still like to know what your experiences were. Also, once you have used them both long enough to get the information, it would be helpful to know if Norton will outlast the Belgian, or visa versa...and by how much.

Bob

Hello String,
I am the one most recently referring to using just a splash of water (on the 8K only). The thing about the Norton is, if one side needs soaking, then both sides are going to get the soak unless you separate your hones some how.
The 4K side of the Norton is very much a traditional style water hone and does need soaking to cut properly. It doesn’t need the significant soak time that natural Japanese hones do, but it still has to have water in the pours of the hone to create the slurry that will keep the hone from clogging up. Of course the slurry also helps in the cutting action of the abrasive compound as well.
I have tried the 4K with out soaking, and the result was less that impressive to say the least. A good 10min soak, with intermittent spraying during the honing process works the very best. I still have the opnion that using about half as much water (after the initial soak) on the 8K is better for me, but the 8K still gets the initial soak because it's attached to the 4K.

I dont have expierence with the Belgians but I believe it has been mentioned by Howard that they dont ware as fast as Norton. I dont think Ive seen Howard here yet, and this thread is perfect for him.
Hopefully he will chime in since he's the resident Belgian Guru :lol:

Originally Posted by string

Lynn, I know that you soak your Norton stones, but I have heard from several dealers that soaking is not necessary on the 8000 grit, and some have even said that a splash of water is all that is needed on the 4000 grit as well. If that were true, I would be more inclined to purchase and use the Norton, as I hate to soak stones! Have you tried using them without soaking, and what were the results? Since I know you soak them, I am expecting the worst here, but would still like to know what your experiences were. Also, once you have used them both long enough to get the information, it would be helpful to know if Norton will outlast the Belgian, or visa versa...and by how much.

Bob

Bob, Sorry it took so long to see this. I always have my Norton in Water as I usually hone between 4-10 razors on a daily basis. As far as lasting goes, I don't see the Belgium ever wearing out, but I have worn out 3 Nortons. Lynn

As far as lasting goes, I don't see the Belgium ever wearing out, but I have worn out 3 Nortons. Lynn

Wow! If you can wear out three Nortons, you've got to be one fine honemeister. Hal