Thread: Is this a good deal for a starter kit?

Came across this and was wondering if it's worth it for a newb to honing..

Amazon.com: Norton Waterstone Starter Kit: 220/1000 grit stone, 4000/8000 grit stone, SiC flattening stone: Industrial & Scientific

A lot of guys have purchased that set of hones, and done well. I think it is a great bargain, and I don't know how you could do better.

As I understand, 8K used to be about the top end of hones. Whether I am right or not, many use 12K or even finer now as the top end hone. However, I don't consider 8K to be a problem when it is your finest grit hone.

You can go from the 8K to leather. Or, you can go from the 8K to something like chromium oxide to leather. Both approaches work. I favor the latter.

But, those hones for a few dollars above $100... can't do better than that.

Thanks, I need to scrape up the money but I think I will get that, Can always get more stones as I progress

Excellent buy. Consider the addition of a hard wool felt strop with some CrOx or diamond spray, you'd be good to go right to your face.

Would balsa with CrOx work? or do I need to get the felt strop?

Yes balsa works.

James.