Thread: Stone grits.

What are the basic Grits I need for sharpening? I currently have a 4/8. What are some of the coarser grits that I need?

A 1kish stone is nice to have, but not absolutely necessary.. Check out the JaNorton thread. The Famous/Infamous Norton 4/8 "JaNorton 2012"

Originally Posted by Mg7769

What are the basic Grits I need for sharpening? I currently have a 4/8. What are some of the coarser grits that I need?

at the top of the Honing Forum is a thread all about how 40 of us during the month of January used only the Norton 4/8 for shaving and honing..

You don't NEED anything else, you might WANT a 1k bevel setter to make the heavy lifting easier with some of the more beat up razors...

edit: I however need to be a faster poster Ben beat me to it hehehe

A norton 1K is all you would need for bevel setting to complete your honing set.

I would also recommend a DMT 8" or 11" Coarse diamond stone to lap your stones with.

This would be all you would ever "need". Once you get to where you get consistant shaves off your 4/8, you may consider a finisher...but not until you have mastered 1,4,8K.
All the best, Scott

Both of you guys beat me...AGAIN!

Thank you both.

I would also recomend a 12K -16K finisher. IMHO the edge I get off the 12-16K is much more comfortable to shave with. while I was surprised at the quality off the 8K I don't want that as my stopping point.
Paul

There is reasoning behind Ben, Glen, & myself not recommending a finisher yet. When learning to hone, you need to master bevel setting, pre-polish, and polish before going on to a finisher. A finisher can hide deficiencies as well as pastes. Once these three "grits" are mastered, then the finishers are most definitely recommended.

Lastly, if you have mastered the 8K and have a light touch, you can get a Damn Fine Shave off an 8K anytime.

Originally Posted by shooter74743

There is reasoning behind Ben, Glen, & myself not recommending a finisher yet. When learning to hone, you need to master bevel setting, pre-polish, and polish before going on to a finisher. A finisher can hide deficiencies as well as pastes. Once these three "grits" are mastered, then the finishers are most definitely recommended.

Lastly, if you have mastered the 8K and have a light touch, you can get a Damn Fine Shave off an 8K anytime.

IMO telling someone to wait to get a 12-16K until they have "mastered" an 8K is somewhat nebulous. can I get an ok shave from an 8K? yes. would I keep using str8's if this was all I could get? Nope. Why did people use barber hones and swaty's back then? Thats all they had. What is the highest grit found on a swaty ? Prob bout 8K ish. Why did people not use tape? they didn't have any. You can't "hide" anything with a 12-16K If the bevel is not set then the razor will not shave for s&$*. To me it's kind of like saying I can't use micro mesh and the highest grit in sandpaper I get to use is 600 until I master it.

Here's some great info from Glen (Gssixgun)

What hone(s), paste(s), or spray(s) do I need? - Straight Razor Place Wiki