Norton Alternatives?

Ok, so I just had a thread about finishing hones and got a tone of info from a lot of you guys. But now im starting to wonder....

What are good alternatives to Norton 4k/8k hones. An alternative that can be used dry preferably. I've heard of the swaty's being fast cut, but I believe I read that they should be used as a finish or just a quick edge refresher? Any more advice on this? I dont think I really need anything other than the nortons, but I might be showing some early signs of these infamous "AD's" I keep hearing about.

--Billy

I don't think there are really any good alternatives to the 4K Norton part. There are many to the 8K though. There are the belgian Blues which are about 6K. The yellow coticule which is between 8k and 10K. There are various japanese stones in the 10K-14K zone and a whole multitude of barbers hones of various types. Also tere are the pasted strops.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Billy

What are good alternatives to Norton 4k/8k hones.Billy

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Norton 4K, and Norton 8K, bought separately ;)

Nenad

Hmmm, speaking of Belgian blue stones I do still have a few of those left if anyone is interested.



Tony

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Originally Posted by Tony Miller

Hmmm, speaking of Belgian blue stones I do still have a few of those left if anyone is interested.

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Is this Belgian blue a natural stone? And is it used dry? How does it cut/grind in comparison to the Norton 4k?

It is a natural stone. I believe it's used wet but without soaking, like the yellow. You don't have to soak it, but I'm not sure about generating a slurry. It is a very slow cutter, so I would not use it on dull/damaged edges. I have a combination blue/yellow but I never used the blue side.

Thanks for the info on the Belgian Blue... I might have to consider grabbing one to set on my desktop and play with while im browsing!!! On second thought, that may be a bad idea.

Billy,
They are very slow..................not really a beginners stone. Go with a Norton or other hone.

Tony

Thanks Tony,

I should actually be getting my norton set here pretty fast. Im hoping it arrives today. I also got a dummy razor I just won on E-bay that should arrive, but Im not really going to expect it till sometime next week. Im sort of excited to see how bad I am at this =P

Most people start out bad at it, you just have to practice or give up and send it out. Me I'm still working on my skills with my cheap razors and have sent out two good ones to the guys who realy know what they are doing:D