Thread: Help me choose new hones

I need the advice and experience of some true honemeisters. My plans are to purchase new hones in the next month or two.

Basically I am looking at a choice of Nortons versus Naniwa / Shaptons. Please don't consider the cost comparison.

I have assembled two similar options and want the recommendations of those that have used these stones to compare. Both of my options are taken from the SRD site.

Choice #1
Norton Waterstone 3 piece set
Lynn Abrams Modular Paddle
Hone assortment ~ 220 1k 4k 8k Strop

Choice #2
Shapton 500
Naniwa 3k / 8k
Shapton 6k
Lynn Abrams Modular Paddle
Hone assortment ~ 500 3k 6k 8k Strop

1k Chosera
4/8k norton

or 1k Chosera
5k,8k Super stones

If money is not an object then add 12k Super stone .

Add a felt paddle with 0.5 Diamond spray and you are set.

Originally Posted by mainaman

1k Chosera
4/8k norton

or 1k Chosera
5k,8k Super stones

If money is not an object then add 12k Super stone .

Add a felt paddle with 0.5 Diamond spray and you are set.

Thanks Stefan. I like the Chosera recommendation.
I already included the Paddle strop that comes with the .5 Diamond spray. Also I already have a C12k.

So honing time as a consideration how to the Nortons compare to Naniwa or Shapton?

I don't consider myself a honemeister, but I have learned the big three (Naniwa, Norton, Shapton GS).

Your choice #1 is the closest to what I would recommend.

Actually, if cost were no issue, I would say:
Naniwa Chosera 1K
Norton 4/8 or Naniwa SS 3,5,8 (both are excellent to learn from, but there is more information available on the 4/8)
Paddle strop
8" DMT coarse diamond plate & stone holder

The reason I threw in the Chosera 1K is that it's what most of us end up with, pretty much all the honing veterans will agree that it's the best synthetic bevel setter made. There is no need for a more coarse stone unless you are getting into really deep restoration of busted up blades...even then you will have the DMT for blade modifications.

Edit: Stefan is quicker on the draw. The Naniwa SS 12K is the best finisher to learn from as mentioned.

Originally Posted by shooter74743

I don't consider myself a honemeister, but I have learned the big three (Naniwa, Norton, Shapton GS).

Your choice #1 is the closest to what I would recommend.

Actually, if cost were no issue, I would say:
Naniwa Chosera 1K
Norton 4/8 or Naniwa SS 3,5,8 (both are excellent to learn from, but there is more information available on the 4/8)
Paddle strop
8" DMT coarse diamond plate & stone holder

The reason I threw in the Chosera 1K is that it's what most of us end up with, pretty much all the honing veterans will agree that it's the best synthetic bevel setter made. There is no need for a more coarse stone unless you are getting into really deep restoration of busted up blades...even then you will have the DMT for blade modifications.

Edit: Stefan is quicker on the draw. The Naniwa SS 12K is the best finisher to learn from as mentioned.

Thanks Scott. I should clarify that I have been honing my own for about a year now on some very inexpensive stones.

While I feel this will always be a learning process, I don't have the experience on these three brands of stones.

What are some of the comparisons in performance between the Nortons and Naniwas. Do they cut at about the same speed? Is one softer than the other?

If you have more than 2 razors I would suggest sending 2 out to be honed by lynn or glen w/ the exact progressions you are looking at, then decide which razor you think shaves better. It may cost you $30 to do, but better than being stuck w/ $300-$400 worth of stones you don't like the edge from and trying to recoupe money to "try again" you know what I'm sayin. I asked lynn to do this w/ the nortons and naniwas stopping at the 8k, I found the 8k naniwa edge, not sharper, but smoother...but that is a subjective thing, so your opinion may differ.

Originally Posted by KindestCutOfAll

Thanks Scott. I should clarify that I have been honing my own for about a year now on some very inexpensive stones.

While I feel this will always be a learning process, I don't have the experience on these three brands of stones.

What are some of the comparisons in performance between the Nortons and Naniwas. Do they cut at about the same speed? Is one softer than the other?

PM sent, easier to talk on the phone as there is just too much to type...