Thread: How Many Hones Does A Beginner Need ?

Originally Posted by squill

so if i understand (i am new also) should i buy a nawina 10k or 12k to touch up after some months...I did buy a shave ready from SRD.

If you don't let the edge degrade too much the 12k would do it. I haven't used 10k.
Of course, the question is what is 'too long' and I can't answer it over the internet. After honing many razors I have an idea what hone is appropriate when I have a particular razor, but that's not your position. The good thing about the norton combo 4k/8k hone is that it's two hones that can sharpen any undamaged previously shaving razor with less than 20 strokes.

so should i just buy a naniwa 10k or 12k......is that equal to a barbers stone....and just get the norton combo 4k/8k for knives

The deal with touch ups is, you should ideally hit the exact same angle the blade was sharpened at.
That is you should ask how many layers of tape (if it was used) were used and apply these befor attempting to touch up. <- correct me if I am mistaken here

Also note that a touch up is honing, too, and can damage the edge more than it helps, if done incorrectly.

1µm diamond on felt is an awesome touch up device, that is very easy to use.
It may give you long lasting edges, because 1µm diamond is capable of removing minor damage naturally occurring during the shave.

You may finish (if desired) with croox or 0.5µ diamond on felt afterwards.


Otherwise it is fairly common to use a barbers hone, chinese12k, a coticule or a fine synthetic stone for touch ups.
Some even use a 8k stone for touch ups.
I would recommend the Naniwa SS 10k or 12k.
Personally I prefer the 10k, as it is my favourite stone.
It gives the most perfect polish and nice shaving edges (best in combination with a fine abrasive paste).
You can slurry the 10k and make it cut a bit faster.

The SS 12k has a good reputation here, too.

So basically it´s your choice.

I don´t do touch ups, but resharpen blades frequently. It´s a personal thing. I... I just like honing.