Thread: Would a Norton 4/8K and 0.5 chromium be enough?

So I an have essentially no experience at honing at this point. I have a shave ready Wapi that I am using and a Filly strop with 0.5 chromium oxide on the back. I also have have a Norton 4k 8k for honing, which I have actually never tried. Anyways, my question is; I hear people talking about using polishing stones to finish off the razor. I am wondering if I already have a shave ready razor that went dull from excessive shaving, but no damage otherwise, would having the Norton and then moving to the chromium oxide be enough to get it back to an awesome shaving edge, or would a polishing stone really be needed to get that final edge? If this were the case, what would be recommended to obtain this?

Yes, you can resharpen a razor on the 4K/8K and then go directly to the chromium oxide. The thing that isn't talked about enough, IMO, is that the Norton has to lapped fairly frequently and abrasive paper is not a good option. Several people have reported (including me) getting grit stuck in the 8K side that forces you to get something else (Norton flattening stone or DMT diamond hone) to lap it.

I love the Norton 4/8k stone, it is my favorite hone because it is so reliable and consistent. Yes, it does get a lot of swarf embedded in it, but all you have to do is lap it to clean it.

Funny thing is, I often shave off the 8k on the Norton right after a quick stropping on CrO and leather, I think it's all you need to get a good shave. Other high grit hones, and finishing hones will improve the edge, but they're more of a luxury to the shave. I actually shaved with an ERN razor this morning, that I've recently honed completely on the 4/8K, I stropped it on leather right after. The shave was very good and complete. I've actually never had any problems using Norton wet/dry sandpaper for lapping the stone. All you have to do is rinse it often while your lapping it.

Give it a shot!

I would say give it a try and see how it works for you. You can always pick up a finishing stone. When the razor starts to pull a little, give it 5-7 strokes on the 8K side of the Norton and then 10 strokes on the chromium oxide, strop and test to see if its there for you. If pretty close but not perfect, another 5-10 on the chromium oxide should bring it around.

Lynn

Seems there are 2 ways to eventually get to the same place. Some start with norton 4k/8k (and maybe suppliment with paste), then later purchase a finisher like a corti or escher to improve smoothness--, others start with a corti (and maybe suppliement with a BBW) using slurry for the first progression, then just water for the second, then later purchase a norton 4k/8k to improve keeness (to be used instead of the slurry on the corti for the first progression).

I started from the second place, and with it my razors are just barely sharp enough, but very smooth, and will eventually get a norton to work on the keeness side of the equation.

-Chief

Everyone has a different method that works for them or they just prefer. I start out by trying the 8000 Norton now Naniwa(10 passes) then ChrOx or Diamond paste at the .05 size on a 4 sided strop then use the leather strop for about 35 passes.
To many passes on ChrOx will actually dull a blade so go easy and test often after 8 or so passes.
Also I do use an Escher or Coticule at times if the blade isn't where I want it but close after the 8000 then move on to the diamond paste for 5 passes then the leather strop. One thing you'll find out is every razor even the same brand has it's own personality as far as sharpening that's one reason people have different methods. There's nothing written in stone and for most it's trial and error until you learn. Be patient and don't expect to be able to perfectly hone for several months at least. The trip is worth it and very interesting. Your not going to hurt anything as long as you go slow.
A finishing stone is nice to have and eventually you'll want one. Ask questions because most anyone here is glad to help:-)

yes..............................

Hi! I only have a Norton 4K/8K, and a CrOx paste strop, and a normal strop. I have some razors, that were absolutely dull, when i got them, and some i had cleaned, so they had absolutely no edge at all. Until now, i could hone all my razors without any problem.

So IMO it's enough to have a Norton, and the CrOx strop.

Originally Posted by BHChieftain

I started from the second place, and with it my razors are just barely sharp enough, but very smooth, and will eventually get a norton to work on the keeness side of the equation.

-Chief

The beauty and curse of natural stones I guess, you seem to have a totally different stone to mine!

I think the original question has been answered, it should be enough.

Yes, it is more than enough. I do it all the time. It is my standard routine.