I use a 6x2 1200 diamond hone. Works great for setting bevels. Much less expensive than a 8x3 version, which is why I got it.
Be sure to break it in before actually using it on a razor, as it is overly rough and aggressive when brand new.
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Hi Dups,
A DMT D6E is only a couple of $ more...
DMT 6" Diamond Sharpener Sharpening Stone Xtra Fine D6E - eBay (item 310124889723 end time Mar-25-09 13:38:24 PDT)
I got one and its great for setting bevels..
Maarten
That would be a far more useful tool & an acceptable compromise in size.
i bought the norton combo 220/1k and have no regrets. it works great and is the same size as my other norton, so no technique changes are needed. it is $40 at leevalley though, a bit more then you wanted to spend. i have searched everywhere to find a dealer of DMT's in canada and can't find one. most places will ship here, but it is hard to find one that won't get you a dumb brokers fee in the end, plus the exchange sucks right now. if i had only known that the dollar was going back down when i first bought a razor i would have bought everything i needed from the states back then. i was pretty clueless back then though so its probably better this way:)
Plus one to Seraphim and Maarten.
The D6E is what I use as well. Just run a screw driver over it to break it in and you're golden. Personally, I love the feedback on it and I never notice any micro-chipping.
That's a 'refill' for their aligner system. I have used one for many blades without a microchip. Works fine.
I wouldn't buy it separately but since it was part of a package that I already had, I use it. A larger hone might work better for you.
Bevel setting hones are a really personal decision. I use 1000 grit sandpaper to remove nicks and old oxidized steel. I do not regard the resulting edge as having a bevel suitable for a Str8 razor. I use a Norton 4000 to set the bevel on my razors.
To each their own,:)