Thread: Norton 8k shave ready?

So, I've purchased a few razors from SRD (Honed by Lynn) and had several restores Honed by Glenn. Am I spinning my wheels chasing the same quality edge from my Norton 4/8?

I'm still a beginner when it comes to the hones so I know magic isn't going to happen just wondering if you hone pros are able to get a tight edge off these stones?

Mind you, I've only got the norton set and a swaty. Haven't stepping up any higher yet.

I believe I'm spoiled by the high quality edges these pros have given me.

I'd say, if you can't get a great shaving edge from the Norton 8k, then there's no point in trying for anything finer just yet. When you get to the point of consistently good edges from the 8k, then you can chase finishers, if you so desire. How long have you been shaving with a straight?

If you haven't already, read the JANorton thread. That is likely the single most valuable resource from producing quality shave-ready edges from a Norton 4/8.

As jdto mentioned above, if you aren't getting a good edge out of the 8K, you won't get as much out of a finisher as you could.

I second the above, look at the JaNorton thread and keep practicing on your 4/8K until you get a good shaving edge of it.
When you reach that point you should have gained the experience to tweak the extra out of your edges on a higher grit finisher.

Again, how many shaves in are you? If less than ten, you are probably experiencing a technique issue more than a grit issue. For the first few shaves, a really sharp edge just cuts you more.

I've been using a straight about 6 days a week for the past 5 months. I get consistently smooth shaves with no nicks or burn. Using anything from a 5/8 up to an 8/8.

The razors I've taken to the 4/8 have come out pretty good (surely not the best), I'm able to shave with them with no burn and minimal pulling. That said, I'm sure I need to spend more time refining my honing technique.

I just wanted to be sure it was possible to get a killer edge like the pros off the 4/8's. Didn't want to keep chasing that perfect edge off them if it didn't exist.

I have no plans of picking up a finisher until ive got the most out of the 4/8 that I can.

Thanks guys

Is it possible to get a killer edge of a 8K? I guess that partially is a matter of opinion, but yes, it is definitevly possible to get a very good shaving edge coming of a 8K. After the 8K basicaly all you do is to refine the polish on the edge, very little sharpening happens after that point.

It works for me. Randydance told me years ago that going to a finer stone before the edge was shave ready on the 8k was counter productive. Got me in a habit of shave testing on the 8k and TBH if I had nothing but a bevel setter and a 4/8 I'd get along fine the rest of my days. My finishers are 'icing on the cake.' I do love icing though.

Originally Posted by ZeroCool

I just wanted to be sure it was possible to get a killer edge like the pros off the 4/8's. Didn't want to keep chasing that perfect edge off them if it didn't exist.

Three things add up to the extra 1-2% that make that "Killer Edge"

Experience, Lynn has honed over 40,000 razors, I have done about 8000
We do have those extra finishers
Stropping, really is the last effort, that is the edge you are really shaving off of.

Jimmy's statement is dead on as is many of the other guy's.. if I only had a Norton 4/8 I could do just fine and shave comfortably for all my days...


Also if you would like, please send me 1 razor that you have honed, I will test it, then hone it again on my 4/8 (and push the edge to the max) and send it back, that way maybe it can show where yer at.. That is always a fun experiment

For a couple years, all I used was the Norton 4K/8K. Whether you use pyramids or circles or another method, I have found that either a 1-3, 1-5 tweak using the pyramid or sometimes an additional 1-3 or 3-5 finishing strokes on the 8K will will notch up the edge just a little for a great shave. I would recommend playing around with these. You acan always do 5 or so strokes on .5 whatever you choose too, then strop the razor up and test it.

Have fun.