Thread: 8000K Questions

On a budget and already have a Chinese 12k for finishing work what are good options to do a little more work in the 8000k arena. Is the Toolshop natural wetstone from Germany worthwhile? I would consider a Belgian but they are just a little on the expensive side at the moment.

Any suggestions would be most helpful.

Thanks,

Gary

approximately how much are thinking of spending? i hate to say the obvious but the Norton 4/8k is pretty hard to beat for the price, plus it allows you to repair small nicks with the 4k. mine works great, there are very few who are disappointed with it. i would really like to try a coticule to compare but considering i have had a lot of success with the norton i can't really justify it. some day i guess.

May be you could try one of these:
Boutique eBay - Arkansas Sharpening Stones - Black Arkansas: Arkansas Black Pocket Stone Knife Sharpening Gold Test

After which hone are you stepping up to the 12K?

My answer depends on it.

Bart.

Long time ago i bought this slip stones they were 4/8k and performs excellent.i tried to find the link unfortunately couldn't.This is the exact similar stone but it is 1k just have idea.check woodcraft maybe they have it.it is alot cheaper and does the job.i clued them together and use as a norton 4/8k combination stone.it fits inside your hand very light .does good job.
Buy Slipstone, Waterstone, 1000 Grit

hope this helps

Originally Posted by Bart

After which hone are you stepping up to the 12K?

My answer depends on it.

Bart.

The 12k is all that I have, my razors were purchased used and honed by previous owners, I have only used the 12k to keep them in shape. Now getting to the point that I either send them out again or start learning to take care of my razors. I have three so it is easy enough to send out a couple, but at $20 x 3, I may just as well start to look for a hone to use myself.

Would like to stay with natural stones but am open to other ideas.

Thanks,

Gary

Originally Posted by garyo8

The 12k is all that I have, my razors were purchased used and honed by previous owners, I have only used the 12k to keep them in shape. Now getting to the point that I either send them out again or start learning to take care of my razors. I have three so it is easy enough to send out a couple, but at $20 x 3, I may just as well start to look for a hone to use myself.

Would like to stay with natural stones but am open to other ideas.

Thanks,

Gary

Well most natural hones are finishers just like your Chinese 12K.
On a tight budget I recommend two hones that work extremely well together. First is a DMT-E (1200 grit), rather inexpensive if you buy a 6X2. last time I checked, it went for about $20. Second is a Belgian Blue (a natural hone!) in size 6X1"3/4. Costs €24.
Those 2 will bring the dullest edge in condition for finishing on your 12K.

Bart.

I haven't tried them but I bookmarked the page for future reference - waterstone slip stones at a decent price. The 4000 and 8000 slip stones are evidently out of stock but maybe you could contact them to see when they'll be available.
EDIT
Japan Woodworker has slips also, a little more than the first site but appear to be in stock.

The Norton 4K/8K is an excellent hone , and I think everyone should have one . But you should not let your razor get so dull that you can't bring the edge back with your finish hone . When my razors start feeling like they aren't quite as sharp as they were , I give them 15 laps on my Japanese finish hone .

A good barber hone will keep a razor sharp indefinately.