Question about the need of stones

Gents,

I have a question wether to buy or not a Norton 4000/8000 stone. After reading this forum for some time i've been thinking to buy one but still bit curious if i need it or not.

This far i've sharpened my 3 SR's with the same stones i use for regular tool sharpening. First i make the bevel with some unnamed rough waterstone and then move to Japanese Cerax 1k waterstone. This is the phase that takes most of the time i use for honing. After 1k i move to Cerax 3k, then King 6k. It doesn't take much time on these, but lastly i finish with Chinese 12k, and that takes some time again. With all the stones i use the spine taped. Then its's time to remove the tape, strop and the razors are very sharp.

Would there be any advantages to purchase a Norton 4/8 or will i just get too Hi-Fi and my money lost?

If you're successful with the process you go through now to get your razors shaving sharp and the shaves are satisfying and comfortable for you, in my opinion you have no need to purchase additional equipment. Unless, you're like many of us and you LIKE the idea of purchasing additional equipment.

Chris L

In this case. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Is my advice.

Maybe send a razor to a honemiester, to compare with the shaving edges that you have been producing? Might give ya an indication of how well your honing comparatively.
Otherwise, if your happy with your shaving experiences, then there is no need to improve.

Mac

All good advice given above. ChrisL stated it best, "If you're successful with the process you go through now to get your razors shaving sharp and the shaves are satisfying and comfortable for you, in my opinion you have no need to purchase additional equipment".

Another criteria you may want to entertain is how ling it takes you to get an edge. If time is money to you then it is time to re-evaluate. If not save your money. Also ask yourself how many more razors are you expecting to purchase. Once you have your bevel set and a good edge you probably will not be using the 4k and what you have on hand is more than enough to maintain your razor's edge.

Norton's have a reputation for being relatively fast hones with consistent results on a variety of razors.

I see no ned to get another stone unless of course you want to. Personally once you get to the 3K I wouldn't bother taping, but then again I set my bevels at the 1000 grit level and never go any lower too.