Hello!

I'm quite new in this "profession" and very new at this forum. I have come to the point where i want to buy myself a hone and improve my razor. Here, in Sweden, i have read in a few old forums about honing-stones like the Arkansas blanck Bench stone made of novaculite and the Norton water stone 4000/8000.

I'm getting a bit confused when to decide wich one to buy. Up to now I have figured out this far (correct me if i'm wrong):

- Arkansas stone is an oil-stone and very hard. It needs to be lubricated with a small amount of oil and it takes more strokes to get that really sharp edge of the razor. It's considered to be like 8000 grit.

- Norton stone is a water-stone with the combination, where you can use a lower grit to repair an edge and the higher grit to polish it. It's not as hard as the Arkansas stone and you need to soak it in water when using it.

I have read and watched some forums and videos on the internet about honing, so i feel there is only one thing left for me before i start practicing. A hone, and i dont know what kind of stone to buy...

As a beginner, noob, newbie, whatever in this matter, I get the feeling that the Norton stone is easier to use and better for the beginner.

Regards,

Rikard