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So my last question was broad, but I gleaned quite a bit from it. I keep reading that some hones suit some razors. What is a good general hone set? I'm guessing the Nortons? Because of all the info? What about for honing Solingens (my preferential razor choice- if it needs to be more specific I'm starting to be more interested in Dubl Ducks and Dovos, and potentially other Dovo and DD associated brands, ie Tennis, Bresduck, etc)? Still the Nortons?
I haven't come across many different steels that Norton didn't do well with. Some cheaper hones (King) are very finiky tward stainless steel. Shapton Glass Stones seems to not like carbon steel as well as it likes stainless. Not enough to cause issues with straight razors but kitchen knives and bigger knives, the problems (glazing) start showing up, in my experience.
Harder steel and softer steel blades tend to like different stones as well. I have very few softer (german and such) steel razors so I haven't done alot of testing there. Again with straights these problems rarely show up of are so minute as to not be noticed.
I'd love to spend an afternoon with Lynn just to try all the different steels and different stones to feel them :p
You see Khaos? What did I tell you? lol
So much info on choosing hones that it can make your head spin.
In all seriousness, that's some really good info from DC, and I'll be interested to see what other folks post, as I'm still in the same place as you, trying to decide what hones to get other than the barber hone I have for touch-ups.
Hone selection, and honing in general, seems to be an area of consistently hot debate.
:o
I already had a 4/8k Norton when I started with straights, long time kitchen knife knut... So I just kept using it. After I watched Lynn's DVD a few times I was really glad I had that stone. It really is a great starter hone that can do most of what you may need to do with a razor. Is it the only one out there? Heck no, there are MANY and I have tried a few of them at gatherings, from $10 water stones to several hondered bucks each stones (/drool) They all have plus and minus signs attached :p $10 hone can get you there but wear out fast and consistancy can be an issue. Chosera just cost a alot but are soooo nice...
Before buying a stone think about what you want to envest in this endevor. Cost, time, space, convenience, all have weight. Personally I think the Norton 4/8 fits all these with reasonable levels. Slightly pricy, very convenient, cut reasonably fast, one stone takes up little space. If your lucky and HAD doesn't set in... well welcome to the circle :p
Solinger go well with natural hones, I find.
Some French don't, especially for setting the bevel.
Polishing is another thing.
There are a few reasons I suggest the Norton for either a first or if it is going to be your only stone. In Lynn's DVD he is sitting at a table with two stones in front of him. The first time I saw it I thought they were two different types/brands of hones. Then you find that one of them is a Norton with half of it's surfaces worn away.
Lynn doesn't hone a few razors to maintain his rotation. He has honed thousands of razors, many of them for money, and continues to do so. While it is true that he uses various hones, for many years the Norton was his workhorse as it was for many of the straight razor shavers on this forum past and present. To me that is a pretty good recommendation.
I haven't run into any blade steel that it won't put a good edge on and it is relatively cheap compared to other options for an 8x3 hone. The 8k leaves an edge smooth enough to shave with comfortably if you do your part and as has been previously mentioned there is a voluminous amount of info on honing with the Norton in the SRP Wiki and in the forum archives.
Finally, if you are going to be a hone and razor collector and intend to hone many razors you will undoubtedly acquire more hones. OTOH, as a beginner you may find that honing razors ain't your bag and you won't have a huge investment in a stone or a set of stones. You can always put it in the classifieds and get your money out of it if you find honing isn't for you.