Thread: What is the best honing stone available?

Hi Kees,

First, congratulations on lasting 2 decades with such limited sources for straight razor shaving. It must have been dificult collecting informations from old barbers, and experimenting for yourself. As far as sharpening stones, you won't regret buying the Norton 4/8K combo stone. It is worth every penny. The "drawback" is that you must soak it before use. Well, at least the 4000 side. The 8000 is good with a splash of water. If I had to do it all over again, I would get them separately, and in 2 inch width. It cuts fast, and it's reliable.

Barber hones are more handy and lightweight, and you can use them dry. The drawback is that they are inconsistent in grit (you never know the grit size), and you will need atleast medium and fine finishing one. So far, I have mixed results with two of mine.

The Yellow Belgian coticule is expencive, but people who used it, like it. Me, I'm not sure of their result, I have only used it once, to hone 7 razors, and I kinda like it. I feel it cuts slower than Norton. It is considered fine finishing hone 8000-12000 grit, but my friend, also shaving with straight razor for ~20 years is using it exclusively. The Blue (dark brownish purple actually) Belgian is slow cutter, and is rated ~6000 grit. Both Belgians are used with water, and building a slurry is prefered.

So, for getting only one hone, my pick is the Norton 4000/8000 combination.

cheers,
Nenad