Is the 4k/8k Norton enough for my needs?

I just picked up the Norton combo this evening (side note: Woodcraft is having a 10% off sale right now), and I got their 12k Chinese stone as well. I am new to straight razor shaving, and have never honed, but I guess it could be said that I jump into things. I've read a lot of the advice on here about concentrating on stropping with a shave ready razor, etc., but I can't help it. I did, however, do a lot of reading on here (such a helpful site!) and feel like I've been making good decisions in my approach. I did by a razor that had been freshly honed by an SRP member, which is great. So that is my basis for comparison. I also bought a few other razors that I would like to bring back to life, hence the stones purchase tonight. The razors that I would like to restore are somewhat dull, but have no nicks that are visible or that I am able to feel with my thumb pad. They have all probably sat in a drawer somewhere for many years, unmaintained. Sorry for the long intro, and on to my question. Should I purchase something lower than the 4k to reset the bevels, or should I just start out on the 4k and see how it goes? I've read the Bevel setting wiki, beginners guide to honing wiki, what hones do I need wiki, etc. and I know a stone in the 1k range is recommended. But, could I spend 4 times as long on a 4k stone and achieve the same result? I wouldn't mind if it were even more than 4 times longer, so long as it would save me from buying another stone right now. But, If I have to, I'll go get another stone. Thanks for any input. -Mike

You can make out alright with these stones.Like you said,if you need to remove more material,you can do more laps on the 4k.Also,don't forget to lap all your stones before using....

Cool. Thanks for the response and for reading my rambling post!

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Originally Posted by lodgeskins

Cool. Thanks for the response and for reading my rambling post!

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Welcome. I haven't started honing yet but I got the same stones you did and if I have many more shaves like the Sandpaper Special I had today with a usually reliable razor I need to get busy and start learning ASAP.

Mike, I find that a 1k come in handy for bevel setting. Norton makes a 220/1k combo
The 220 is good if you come across chips, stuff like that....

Just a quick note.... when testing the edge for microchips etc use the
Thumb Nail Test , TNT, not the Thumb Pad Test, TPT.

When your honing the edge of a Ebay vintage or antique store razor remember that the edge has oxidized and become weak. The weak steel needs to be removed and any microchips also. I have found that it usually takes at least 50 laps on 1000 grit sandpaper and usually 100 laps so the Norton 4K is going to take more. Let the TNT be your guide.
Clean the hone frequently while honing, the swarf will build up fast.

Now I'm finding things about taking a dull razor from start to finish on a coticule. Which do you guys think would be a better route to go? I haven't used the Norton or Chinese stones yet, so I could still return them.

The Norton 4/8K is all you really need. I have a number of other stones, but I rarely use them.

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Originally Posted by lodgeskins

Now I'm finding things about taking a dull razor from start to finish on a coticule. Which do you guys think would be a better route to go? I haven't used the Norton or Chinese stones yet, so I could still return them.

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If you've got one you could do it with heavy slurry and a good amount of patience and persistence. Personally I would recommend you stick with your norton 4/8 until you are proficient with it. Then get into getting to know another stone. The trouble with getting too many stones too quickly is that the temptation to use all of them gets you to where you don't really know any of them. Learn one at a time until you're pretty good with each would be my advice knowing what I know now.

The Nortons's and Naniwa's are great hones. Guys like Lynn, Glen, use them regularly and there's a reason for that. These hones cut well, fast, and give dependable/predictable results.
I use my Nortons and Naniwa's primarily. Coticules, well, you need the right one, and even then, it takes some doing. Add a good finisher to your Norton's, and your set....

Thanks guys. I was having a little buyers remorse, but no longer. -Mike

For a few years the only hone I had was the Norton 4/8 and I did it all with it. I agree whatever you start with learn it well and then get another. Eventually you will want a higher grit hone as a final finisher and if you do restorations or even a occasional repair the lower grit will make your life easier.

I started honing my own razors on a 4k/8k too and while it worked for a lot of them, sometimes the 4k just isnt enough. I finally got the 220/1k stone at woodcraft and it has helped me immensely. Even the slightest chip seems to take an awful long time to get rid of with the 4k, just my opinion.

With all the above I agree. The Coticule can be made to substitute for a 4K but it takes a bunch of practice and getting the right stone. It is an advanced technique that can be applied to a number of hones but first you need to learn the basics. Stick with the Norton 4/8 to start with. If you need anything coarser you can use 1000 grit sandpaper. Send me a PM if you want more info on that.

A 1000 grit hone will certainly make your life much easier, but you can take advantage of Randy's offer and you'll be much better off than any hone you buy. As everybody told you it's primarily learning to use the hones you already bought, they are perfectly good for the job.

A bevel setter 1k would be nice (Woodcraft also carries the Ice Bear hones if money is a problem). I'm not fortunate enough to own any Nortons myself, but I've had the opportunity to use other peoples' stones, and I think that Norton 4k is a wonderful, versatile, stone.