Originally Posted by
JimmyHAD
In principle I would agree with buying the 12k to begin with. OTOH, that is not what I did. I began with the norton starter set of the 220/1k, 4/8k and lapping plate. Shortly thereafter I added a shapton pro 12k. Anyway, I did not hone the shave ready razors I had bought from vendors. To learn I bought vintage razors in excellent or better condition to learn on. I always used 1 layer of electrical tape for the first year or so until I felt confident enough in my skills, that I wouldn't cause excessive wear at the spine, to do without the tape.
Honing razors takes some learning of stroke, pressure, you eventually develop the muscle memory, but it takes a number of razors IMO. How long it takes, as with any learned skill, depends on the individual. Anyway, that is what I did. If you have one or two shave ready razors a 12k is good for touchups. Some guys will recommend a barber hone. I would say get one but get the 12k as well.