Thread: Honing Equipment/Supplies

I'm going to purchase a honing stone (Norton 4000/8000 combination waterstone) soon. I would like to know what other materials/supplies do I need to purchase to make the honing process complete. What I'm trying to avoid is purchasing the stone, then discovering that I need something else in order to hone edges (learn to hone is a more appropriate phrase ).

Can the honemeisters out here provide me with a laundry list of items required to start honing razors? I'm looking to make this a "one-stop" shopping trip and would greatly appreciate your assistance. Please feel free to e-mail me if that's easier. Thanks, again,

Jeff

You CAN hone your razor(s) only with the Norton 4/8K. Many here can agree that the Norton is THE solution for bringing a nice edge on razor. I used only this stone for half a year now, and my edges are shaving me with delight. If you want to bring extra fine polish to the edge, you can either go for another (finer) stone, or paddle strop with pastes... The advantage with the second (or third) stone is that you are bying them once, and they'll last you a lifetime, needing minor maintainence... With the pasted strops you can bring even finer edge, but you need to be careful when using them...

Originally Posted by superfly

you can either go for another (finer) stone, or paddle strop with pastes...

I opted for the paste on top of the Norton 4k/8k, Jeff. The Cromium Oxide stick which I picked up from Lee Valley only cost me $10 and the flatbed leather hone an additional $15. The 12k stone would have been twice that or more. I may yet try one on for size and the .25 grit paste too, but Im getting good results this way. It must be said that some use the finer stone AND the pastes. (and I thought I was obsessive )

X

Greetings Jeff,

You can pick up a 12k natural polishing stone from Woodcraft for $30. You should also consider a stone holder for $14.

Jeff,

I am far from a honemeister compared to the rest of the guys but here is what I have. A Norton 4000/8000 a 12000 Japanese water stone from woodcraft and a leather hone with .5 Chromium Oxide paste. So far so good.

Thas what I use also. In addition I have a 800 grit stone thaqt I use to remove nicks/establish new bevels.

Make sure the 4000/8000 is 3" wide. The best source for chrome oxide is www.handamerican.com ( already pre-mixed). Check with Tony miller or classicshaving.com for a paddle strop to put the paste on. The .25 paste is a luxury item.

Same for a strop.

Originally Posted by RichZ

Jeff,

I am far from a honemeister compared to the rest of the guys but here is what I have. A Norton 4000/8000 a 12000 Japanese water stone from woodcraft and a leather hone with .5 Chromium Oxide paste. So far so good.