Thread: Norton 4k/8k then...

I have a Norton 4k/8k that I'm using. Would it work to then progress to a CrOx 0.5 pasted strop? Or should I add lapping on a diamond sprayed cotten strop?

I guess I'm trying to avoid any of the Japanese stones or Coticules(sp).

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

As a reference, I'm looking at the kit from Hand American, they seem to be well thought of here from what I can tell.

Thanks in advance.

Joe

I Would say if you are new honer Norton 4/8 k is best choose.
of course it will work.

you can use chro2 or another pastes. i have never used dimond paste can't say anything about it.
But time will come you will want to get better edges then you can move thuringians etc.
good luck

I'm not a fan of pastes but they certainly will work. Other options for a finer polish off of the 8k would be a decent barber hone or the Chinese hone. Obviously the Japanese natural finishing hones are quite pricey but the coticules aren't too bad if you get a narrower one, like 1.5 to 2 inches.

I like the chrom ox option after the 8K. I have also had good results going with the Chinese 12K in between. A 2"x8" can be had for $20.

Jordan

i'm pretty horrible at honing, but when i've managed to get a razor sharp off the 8k, .5 CrO has worked fine to smooth the edge.

Chinese 12k is a cheap polisher that will work too..but it is very slooooowwww

I used to prefer the chrom ox to the diamond paste until I got the 0.5 diamond spray. That on the hanging felt strop that SRD sells is the icing on the cake for me. I am not sure why the spray works so much better for me than the paste on a paddle strop but it does. Perhaps it has to do with my application of the paste?

The paste worked but left a harsh feel to the edge IME. I would smooth it out with chrom ox on a Hand American fllatbed hone. The magnetic base with the felt. I still use chrom ox from time to time because I have it but the felt strop and spray leave the edge sharper and smoother for me than anything else I have tried. That combination has largely become my go to edge enhancer when necessary.

I only use the paste or the chrom ox on really tough blades that I haven't gotten up to snuff on the hones alone. Some of the stainless or cyro tempered blades. Intellectually I know that it isn't "cheating" to use the stuff but emotionally I feel like I need to get it with the hones if possible.

Hand American made good stuff and anything they put out was high quality IME. Trouble is that Keith is not as focused on the straight razor market as he once was and some of the products aren't always available. At least that is my impression. Anyone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, it won't hurt my feelings.

i usually use a 12k chinese as i have it and it seems to work nicely. but i have gone from the 8k to the CrOx and had good result. one thing that i was told is that when finishing up on the 8k if you do about 10 laps with the hone almost dry, then move tot the CrOx you will have better results. it made a difference for me but i haven't any extensive testing to prove it really.

i have never used Diamond sprays but i relaly like my CrOx strop. it is a must in my rotation.