Quote Originally Posted by Birnando View Post
Most barber hones discussed around here are usually rated somewhere around the 6-8K range by the more experienced users..
Yours must be a special one
One of mine is of that caliber too, but it had a price-tag of USD 905....

So, you think the 4/8K Norton is not a good stone?
It is cheap, very versatile and perhaps the best documented hone out there.
A lot of us find it a very useful tool.
Yes, as a touch up hone as well!
Now, a good barber hone is great at what it does, and many people get by with that and that alone for years.
I reckon that is why so many recommend them on here...
Did I say that the Norton was not a good hone? No. You must have misread my post. I said it wasn't always necessary if you're just looking to maintain an edge. There's tons of cheaper alternatives out there for that (well under $20). That was the only point I was trying to make. Sorry if it came off as something else. As for my hone, I'm sure it is nothing special, but I do know it is 12k grit and does a fine job for its intended purpose.