Thread: is there ONE hone that does it all???

I gotta agree with Lynn on the 4k/8k thats all I used for a long time and many razors... That 8k side can become a way better finisher than most people give it credit for...The 4k side can set any normal bevel, the only time you need more is for the bad stuff....

If the Norton was off the table and it had to be just one stone, then the Coticule would get the nod as my choice....


One thing that gets skipped quite a bit on these threads is what type of razors are we talking about honing????

If I were just buying new Dovo's, TI's, pre-honed used razors etc: then either of the above stones will do great for me...
Now when you add in E-bay unknowns, then your honing requirements changed to restoration work, which means you have to expand the stone selections...

Originally Posted by kaiser1498

But Lynn, you’re the master! I couldn’t possibly get my edges as keen as you do on the norton. so I have to try other materials that’ll help get me as close!

Try some pastes!

I wouldn't want to travel with a Norton though. A small yellow Belgian should fit that bill. I've never really had success with barber hones, but a two sided barber hone might be an answer as well. Or, a small pasted paddle strop.

For what it's worth, my first stone was a Norton and I kept thinking I needed more hones to get a better edge - and I bought them. Then I realized that what I needed was to get better at honing, and I found myself going back to the Norton. After you get the razor good and sharp on the Norton, all the other stuff is gravy. Enjoyable gravy, but not always needed. If I had to do it again, I would stick with one good stone (and maybe one finisher or paste) and get really good with it before going nuts on all kinds of different products. That's just my experience...


Jordan