A first hone for touch-up

I just started straight shaving 2 days ago... In the next month or two I'd like to get into honing, most likely with something not quite as nice as my new Dovo... I'd like to get a fine stone (I'm thinking a Norton 4k/8k would be over kill just for putting the edge back on a razor in good shape), and I was thinking of the Chinese 12k. But I was wondering if anyone knew the grit rating of a Spyderco Ultra Fine? It's considerably more expensive, but I figure no lapping will be required.

What do you guys think? What's a good 'first hone' for bringing a razor back to shave ready? And yes, I read the wiki ;)

-Mike

I think a basic good quality barber hone would be a good first hone for touch-ups. I really don't have much experience with barber hones, the only brand I have experience with is a Swaty. They typically go for $20-40, give or take. There are other great brands, hopefully someone else will be able to be more informative....

A coticule would also work nicely as a touchup hone, the price is a bit more than a barbers hone but reasonable if you get a smaller size. It depends whether you want to go natural or synthetic. But I think a barber hone is the easiest option.

I agree with Dave. I have a barber hone and a 12K, am new to honing and can say that having the barber hone is better than just the 12K. Although having the 12K is nice. ;)

Hi MrMike. If you decide to go the barber hone route, visit you local flea markets and antique stores. I can't vouch for the prices in your area, but I've run into a couple barber hones here, that are bargains compared to what they run on ebay.

If you intend to put an edge back on a razor , you will need more than just a finish hone . You will at least need a 4k hone , and if the edge bevel needs work , a 1k hone will also be necessary . My rule of thumb is ; if the razor will not cut arm hair above the skin , I start with the 1k .

The Spyderco Ultra Fine is the finest of the stones you've listed. It's officially 2000 grit but finer than most samples of the Chinese 12k.

I know that a lot of guys like the Spyderco line but all I've ever gotten out of mine is frustration. For just touching up I too would recommend the barber hone. If you're ever going to get into honing from scratch the Norton set is a good way to learn and even to continue beyond that if you don't get into honing as a hobby..... and even if you do. :)

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Originally Posted by cotdt

The Spyderco Ultra Fine is the finest of the stones you've listed. It's officially 2000 grit but finer than most samples of the Chinese 12k.

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Wait, 2000 grit? I'm confused... Wouldnt that make the Norton a lot finer?

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Originally Posted by MrMike

Wait, 2000 grit? I'm confused... Wouldnt that make the Norton a lot finer?

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Well, he said they're "officially" 2000 grit, but from everything I've read they perform like a much finer hone, i.e. comparable to a Chinese 12k as cotdt said.

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Originally Posted by StraightRazorDave

Well, he said they're "officially" 2000 grit, but from everything I've read they perform like a much finer hone, i.e. comparable to a Chinese 12k as cotdt said.

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I've read the same thing. The three they make are ....IIRC medium, fine and ultra fine. I have the trio I bought used from a forum member with one side lapped and the other factory. I've tried both sides and I just don't care for them myself but I have read of others who like them just fine. :shrug:

Hmm so is a swatty worth $50? eBay seems so sketchy!

-Mike