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I intend to get a Norton 4k/8k in the near future. For now, though, I have a King 8000 waterstone which I believe is of the clay based variety. I read that the Japanese grits have a different meaning than the "other" grit numbers (U.S. based?). Is the King 8k finer or coarser than the Norton?
Thanks,
Mike
The Jap 8k that I have (forgot the brand name and the label on the bottom wore off due to the soakings) doesn't give me truly satisfactory results that other people seem to be getting from Norton stones. Instead of getting another 4/8k stone I ordered a coticle which should get my blades to the next level. By unsatisfactory results, I mean that the blade gets snagged when going against the grain. If I were you, I'd get it as far as you can with the Jap and then finish it with the coticle or Shapton. They could do all the necessary cutting on their own, but you'd wear out your arm using one of those to hone from scratch.
i think the norton isn't as fine as it says....where the jap 8k would be 8k the norton 8k is more like a 6k. don't quote me on that, though.
I would buy a norton 4k/8k before you get a coticule.
I heard from various experts that the Norton 8K is not quite as fine as it's Japanese equivalent... There is much variation between Japanese manufacturers as well, so it's not really fair to compare different stones in this way.
Also, I'm not totally convinced that finer grits produce better shaving edges.
For the time being don't worry about all that. Just use the hones you have to get a shaving sharp edge. They should be fine enough. You can buy all the hones in the world but none of them will substitue for developing your honing skills.
Ask me how I know this!:)
Good advise Randy. The skills are far more important than the gear. With practice and time you will find what works best for you.