Thread: VALUE of a first hone set.

On the topic of bang for your buck or value, again it's so hard to compare. It's like asking what car is better for getting from point A to point B, a honda or a BMW? They both will get you there comfortably, but I think most would agree that the BMW is "better." It probably costs twice as much -- is it twice as good? Maybe not, but in many people's opinions, the differences that it offers warrants the additional cost. And in other people's opinions, whether they can afford the BMW or not, the honda is perfectly fine.

For the Money and Value, you can't beat the Norton's. 220k/1k and 4k/8k.
The Naniwa's are coming on in a big way now. Great value, quick cutter's, period.
Coticules/BBW's nice to have and versatile. I think if your going to shave and hone straight razors, you almost have to have one. IMO. I know they're pricey, but keep an eye out on the classifieds, You can usually get a good deal.
Shapton's, nice to have, precise, consistant, and somewhat pricey.
Japanese Naturals, very expensive. Period.
Escher's, Rare, therefore expensive for a finisher. Leave to the collector's. IMO.
DMT's, I only use them for lapping other hones, or knife sharpening, not str8's
Spydeco, (don't know if I spelled that correctly, I know nothing about them.
Chinese 12k, Cheap, slow finisher, Good but slow, better with a slurry.
Barber Hones, absolutely wonderful for a quick touch up prior to a shave.
Tam O Shanter, Ehhh , I don't really know...

Bottom line is, Once you start getting into this hobby, you going to wind up wanting to try something different. I'm looking at getting the entire Naniwa line myself. You can do so for around 300 hundred bucks....

lol. I really wish you guys were wrong, and that really was a straight forward, "this setup right here is the best bang for the buck."

Oh well, nothing in life is ever that simple I suppose.

I think I'm going to stay away from the coticules as a starting place, simply because I have a lot of experience honing on a lot of different materials, but that would be a completely new one for me.

I agree with much of what has been said. One reason I like the Norton though, is that it was the standard for so long, that there is plenty of consistent information about their use. Natural stones vary, even by "model". The other "hot" stones really seem to have hit the scene only in the past couple of years. Just food for thought....

Jordan