Question for all of you that hone your own straight razors... I've been SR shaving since late January and have picked up a couple of no-name hones to maintain my razors. One is a combination 3k / 8k that I think leaves much to be desired. I have a C-nat that was labeled as 12k. For the most part, I've been okay with with the results. However, I think I'm now ready to step up to some better hones and I'm considering the following: Norton Combo 4k / 8k Shapton Ceramic Kuromaku 12k What do you think? Will these stones give me satisfactory results? Thanks, Jim
I cannot say anything about the Shapton as I have never used their stones. I know many SR enthusiasts rave about the Shapton Glass stones. In so far as the Norton 4k/8k combo stone goes, it should work just fine. I started on a Norton combo and quickly learned it was much less the tools then then user that was the issue. My Norton is an Italian manufactured 4k side and a USA made 8k side. The 4k side to me always felt gritty but did the job. I have since moved to the Naniwa 3k/8k combo stone. Is it any better then the Norton? Who knows, probably not. I personally just like "feel" of the stone more then the Norton. All of that to say, the Norton is a fine stone for you to use and a true workhorse that started many a "honer" on their addicti...... err, hobby.
Honestly @Jim99 I stopped recommending the Norton 4/8 some years ago when the 4k became so erratic in performance The 8k is solid as always I think the best performance to be had out there right now to start with is the Naniwa SS 1-3-8-12k will handle any SR honing you can throw at it some say 1-5-8-12 but I think the 3 k is a better choice for new honers The 12k finisher is hard to beat at any price with any stone Anyway that has been my goto recommendation for a couple of years now for starting out
I Use a 1k, 3k, 5k 8k, 12k Naniwa Super Stone Progression..Great Performers..Very Consistent Results & as they Say in Sunny Scotland Offer a "Belter of an Edge"... Billy..
I use a very similar progression for the synthetic route. Instead of the Naniwa SS 1k , I opt for the Chosera Pro 1k for two reasons: 1. I like the speed and feel of the Chosera; 2. I broke my powder-blue Naniwa 1k attempting to remove it from the base.... I'll insert the green Naniwa SS 10k between the 8 & 12k in the progression. Essential? probably not, but since I have it, I use it. Uber-smooth stone, too.
I'm looking on SharpeningSupplies.com and just added the 1k, 3k, 8k and 12k Naniwa SS. They're not cheap, but I know they're great stones that will last me for years to come. Without sounding cheap, what do you think of the Naniwa 1k / 3k combination stone? I do see that the combo is only 2 1/2" wide and that is a drawback. btw, thanks everyone for the advice so far.
Are you talking about the Economical Combination stones? I don't think those are the same thing as the SS series.
I just went back and checked. It is their Economical Combination Stone. I see that it is not of the same construction as the SS.
Okay, I just pulled the trigger on the Naniwa SS 1k, 3k, 8k and 12k stones. I'm definitely looking forward to receiving these in the mail in the next few days so that I can put some nice new edges on my SRs. I think these will keep my SRs in tip top shape for years to come. Thanks for all of your advice! Now, if you guys could only help me convince my wife that I really don't have a sickness!
But you do You have a serious case of HAD, unfortunately I do not know of a cure, I have however found that a dose of "NewStone" will lessen the symptoms when they grow unbearable Good Luck with it
I use Norton 1-4-8, then apatche strata finisher. It's all i have. Please don't talk me into thinking i need more. If I take my time, hold my jaw just right, sometimes stand on one foot, my edges seem to be plenty sharp, sometimes they pop hairs, sometimes they need a bit more work to pop hairs.
So, Doctor Sixgun, I have a case of RAD, SAD and now HAD? How often do I take a dose of NewStone and in what quantities? Do I have to live with these dreaded diseases the rest of my life??? Aw, come on! You're ready to take the plunge! I'll send you the link to where I just bought mine!
Many razors finish pretty nicely at the 8K level. A lot of my older Sheffields are either coti finished or 8K Norton. Of course there is no shortage of hones at my house, and I choose those finishes for those razors, it's not like I'm stuck there. If you really like honing, learning a new hone is great fun. I have enough that there are several that I have not yet learned. Part of the problem with HAD is moving on to the next one too soon. I think meets are great for sampling hones and learning. The best place of all to share gear and learn new stuff. As far as a 2 1/2" wide hone goes it should not be an issue. Most times that is all of the hone I am using anyway, and I am quite content with a 2x7. The foundation of every edge is the bevel set. Which will put most of the development of your edge development at the 1K and 3K levels.
