It's time to get a hone....
So I've been here a few months now, and I've learned that getting things cheaply is most easily accomplished patiently via "lurking" and getting lucky. I don't want to start honing yet, but I'm starting to shop for hones. Why? Cus if I start looking now odds are I'll find what I need at a price I like 2 months down the road. Also, I like to completely research stuff before I dive in... (And I have a birthday coming up in a month, so I may be able to get one of the stones free).
Here are options I've been considering:
A Norton set
A DMZ set
A spyderco set
New natural stones
Hodge podge (classifieds and ebay)
Now what is the consensus about ease of use/first few years of honing? I don't want something easy to learn on, but I will have to upgrade soon. I'm also not looking for the last set of hones I'll ever buy. I'm looking for a balance of ease of use and something that'll last me till I'm pretty good. How do naturals compare to synthetics? Being the way I am, if they are on par, I'd prefer naturals, just seems more... classic? But if the synths are the easier/far cheaper option I guess I don't have a choice.
And what else will I need... I've heard talk of slurry stones, these are material specific right? I need a BBW slurry stone for a BBW stone, etc right? Will I need a lap right away or is it just better to get them factory lapped and send them out once or twice a year to begin with? And should I get a finishing stone or barber's hone or some other odd ball thing in addition to a hone set?
Finally, if naturals are the way to go, which is better, the belgian stuff or arkansas stuff?
Thanks!