setup for beginner honing

[obsessis]

I'd like to get some opinions on what is needed to start out honing. I figured I'd pick up a 4k/8k, but I'll also need something finer to get a more refined edge, right? I'll also need something to lap it with.

What would you recommend someone get for a good, starter setup?

Would you recommend a paddle strop w/pastes or a 12k waterstone?

[FiReSTaRT]

Norton 4/8k should be enough for starters, especially since you're on a budget. Later, if you REALLY have $$$ to blow, get the 12K. However, I'd get the 220/1k before the 12K if you'll be dealing with lots of oldies. 12K is more in the "nice to have" end of the spectrum.

Edit: I wish I had one last night. Took me forever to polish out a couple of nicks on one of my new acquisitions with a 4k Jap.

[obsessis]

i found a setup with a 4k/8k and a 220/1000 for $100 w/ a nice holder to use while sharpening. only an extra $35 for the second stone and holder, doesn't seem like a bad deal at all.

what about lapping the stones? is the norton prep or flattening stone worth getting? what can you use instead that's cheaper?

i keep stopping myself because the more i read the more it seems I need.

[FiReSTaRT]

You can use pumice stone found in any half-decent pharmacy or wet-dry sand-paper on a flat block (but I'm not sure about the grit).

[xman]

Nice to see new faces here.

To lap with you can also use wet/dry (MUCH EASIER THAN REGULAR!!) sandpaper.

You do not want the 220/1000 unless you are fixing up ruined bevels. For the average shaver who doesn't want to do refurbing the 4k Norton is as coarse as you should go.

For the higher grit finishing stone I have to confess I find my 12k Shapton/Sharpton to be a bit too smoothing for me. It'll ruin a nice edge off the 8k very easily so I use it, but I use it sparingly. I believe more mileage can be gotten from a Tony Miller paddle strop with some 0.5 paste on one side, do what you will with the other. If you're willing to $pend more, I suspect the Belgian coticile (the yellow stone) probably provides the best finish money can buy. I'm gonna get me one some day.

X

[Joe Chandler]

You can use pumice stone found in any half-decent pharmacy or wet-dry sand-paper on a flat block (but I'm not sure about the grit).

I'd only use the pumice to back up the wet or dry paper. It roughens the surface too much for my taste, and NEVER use it on the 8k side. What works well for me is to use the flat pumice stone, get it wet (along with the wet or dry paper), and rub it in a circular motion up and down the waterstone. This cleans it well and so far, has done a stellar job of keeping it flat. I use 600 grit for the 4k side and 1500 grit for the 8k side of the Norton.

[VirtualAsylum]

If you plan on sticking with straight razor shaving, just get yourself a 3" wide Norton 4/8k to start. That is what I have, and I'm entirely satisfied and glad I did this. If you get yourself a decent quality razor, between the Norton and a plain non-pasted strop, you really won't need much else--honestly.

This is just my opinion though. I'm not intersted in getting the "edge to beat all edges"...all I want is a nice, sharp, consistent, easy to maintain edge that gives me a good smooth shave. If that's all you want (that's all I need) you will be able to get it with the Norton alone--as long as you get a good quality razor.

Last night, I honed up my new razor and it was juuuuust a bit shy of passing the hanging hair test...and it was just with the Norton and some stropping on a plain strop. (I did take my time, but it worked beautifully)

I love straights and all, they are beautiful, charming, and highly effective..but I'd prefer to spend time shaving with an *excellent* edge, as opposed to spending time honing, backhoning and honing some more, pasting stropping and stropping some more in search of the mythical perfect edge.

Just sorta depends on what kind of dude you are, and how "into it" you want to get.

One thing a lot of people seem to agree on is the Norton 4/8k is the place to start..

[RichZ]

If you plan on sticking with straight razor shaving, just get yourself a 3" wide Norton 4/8k to start. That is what I have, and I'm entirely satisfied and glad I did this. If you get yourself a decent quality razor, between the Norton and a plain non-pasted strop, you really won't need much else--honestly.

One thing a lot of people seem to agree on is the Norton 4/8k is the place to start..

I have to agree for most people this will be all you need. However I am glad I also bought one of Tony's paddle strops.

[clarman]

there is no such thing as a beginners kit...either you do it or dont...you need a norton 3 in 4k/8k and a yellow belgium(codicule) to finish the hone...the yellow stone makes all the difference...you also need a microscope forget rs 10.special you will go blind...find a used scope on ebay...forget paste not good for blades ask lynn if you dont believe me...use the yellow cod to retouch up blade if getting too dull...really learn to strope...bad tech will negate any good hone...

[RichZ]

there is no such thing as a beginners kit...either you do it or dont...you need a norton 3 in 4k/8k and a yellow belgium(codicule) to finish the hone...the yellow stone makes all the difference...you also need a microscope forget rs 10.special you will go blind...find a used scope on ebay...forget paste not good for blades ask lynn if you dont believe me...use the yellow cod to retouch up blade if getting too dull...really learn to strope...bad tech will negate any good hone...

I disagree The paddle strop with pastes work great. I use it to finish off the honing or to keep the up to speed.