Results 1 to 9 of 9
  1. #1
    Ben
    Ben is offline
    Senior Member Ben's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Posts
    257
    Thanked: 1

    Default Barber hones vs. Norton 4000/8000

    I received a very nice offer from a fellow SRP member for two barber hones. I also have found some good prices online for the Norton 4000/8000. Can anyone give me some opinions, share experiences, etc. to help me pick the best setup?


  2. #2
    Robert Williams Custom Razors PapaBull's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    East Liverpool, Ohio
    Posts
    971
    Thanked: 324

    Default

    The 4000/8000 is a good stone and you'll know it's 4000 grit and 8000 grit respectively on each side. Barber hones can vary but, generally speaking will be in excess of 6,000 grit up to around 1500 grit and I suspect finer than that for a few specialty hones.

    The North will hone more quickly and easily, particularly if you're restoring blades in poor condition. Barber hones, however, will finish a razor better. I only own a 2000, 6000 waterstone any more. I always finish on either barber hones, Belgian Coticules or the Chinese 12000+ polishing stone.

  3. #3
    Face nicker RichZ's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    New York, NY
    Posts
    4,178
    Thanked: 32

    Default

    Ben,


    The Norton would be my choice. a good all around stone that you will be able to use for a long time.

  4. #4
    Super Shaver xman's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Lotus Land, eh
    Posts
    8,194
    Thanked: 622

    Default

    I think the answer is in the precise tool. I have tried and tried for a decent result on the barber hones (Kimberly, Little Devil, Honemaster) and they have succeeded to stump me. Perhaps another (Gem?) could help me. My 12,000 Shapton is also a tricky finisher so I'm getting a small coticule bout to see if it can surpass a pasted paddle strop as a finish for me. The Norton is essential to me now.

    X

  5. #5
    Junior Member George's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    New Jersey
    Posts
    23
    Thanked: 0

    Default

    i use the 4k/8k and just recieved my 12k from Japan woodworker. my barber hone does not compare.

  6. #6
    Shave ready wopmanfixit's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Woodland, CA
    Posts
    432
    Thanked: 25

    Default

    When restoring an edge or for the initial honing I use the Norton 4k/8k and and the 12k. For maintaining the edge I use both a barbers hone and a pasted suede strop.

  7. #7
    Face nicker RichZ's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    New York, NY
    Posts
    4,178
    Thanked: 32

    Default

    Like Wopmanfixit. I also use the 4k/8k and then the 12k.

    For refreshing I used the 4 sided pasted paddle strop I got from Tony Miller.
    Works for me.

  8. #8
    Senior Member Tony Miller's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Nottingham, Maryland
    Posts
    2,559
    Thanked: 382

    Default

    I have 20 Barber hones here and although I do use them from time to time real work is done on a Norton with refreshing and touchup on a pasted paddle or a Belgian.

    Tony
    The Heirloom Razor Strop Company / The Well Shaved Gentleman

    https://heirloomrazorstrop.com/

  9. #9
    Super Shaver xman's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Lotus Land, eh
    Posts
    8,194
    Thanked: 622

    Default

    Who uses the Belgian Blue and in what capacity?

    X

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •