What's the cheapest source for a Norton 1K/4K, 4K/8K, lapping & slurry stone set?

[_MementoMori_]

I'm gonna take the plunge and start honing my own razors. I figure the Norton stones are as good a place as any to start. Am I correct in thinking that I'll need all the stones listed in the thread title? I do think I'll pursue a finishing stone in the future, but not right now.

Thanks in advance.

[Gamma]

Usually - the BST is the best place to find that set at a good price. Of course, you have to wait it out until one shows up.

Otherwise, I think that Amazon runs good deals on occasion.

Personally - I don't think the lapping stone is all that necessary. Wet/dry paper is easier to use IMO.

I also found the slurry stone to be very helpful to clear swarf and to dress the stone. Not necessary - but useful.

[Wid]

I wouldn't get the lapping stone or the slurry stone. You can lap them with wet/dry sand paper on glass/marble plate. Or if you want a true lapping plate get the DMT 325.

[gary haywood]

invest in the 325 dmt you won't regret it

[Danricgro]

Another vote for the DMT 325. They are extremely useful.

[bkfist]

I wouldn't get the lapping stone or the slurry stone. You can lap them with wet/dry sand paper on glass/marble plate. Or if you want a true lapping plate get the DMT 325.

+1.

Get a diamond plate for setting bevel, then go with 3M lapping films. The Norton stones need to be flattened, and the "flattening stone" that comes with the norton stone set is not itself usually not flat, so you will need a diamond plate to flatten THAT first... Skip the entire Norton series, get yourself a diamond plate to set the bevel, then all you need are 3 or 4 sheets of lapping film to finish off the razor.

[BigSlick]

I just purchased the Norton 200/1000 and 4000/8000 from Vintage Blades for $110.00 shipped. I used Norton "Sandblaster" 80 grit paper on glass to lap. I got the glass out of a picture (document) frame I bought at Wal-Mart for around $3. The glass is 11 inches long, the same length as sandpaper. I cut the sandpaper down the center lengthwise, soaked it in water for a couple minutes (it is designed to be rinsed) and it stuck to the glass very well without the edges rolling up. My stones needed quite a bit of lapping and the corners are still not even with the rest of the stone on the 4000/8000 but it doesn't effect honing. It will get there eventually. The 80 grit will wear down and actually leave a pretty smooth finish on the stones. Also, I saved the sandpaper, after it dries it feels like there is more than enough grit for future lapping.

I don't have a slurry stone of any kind so I can't comment on that.

[whavens]

Peachtree Woodworking has the set with a tray with rubber pad for 139. that is where I got mine.

[hotdog]

I bought a couple pieces of ceramic tile and couple pieces of marble(both 12 x 12) from Lowe's, the corners had small chips and got them for almost nothing. Then glued the ceramic together and the marble together to make 2 nice size surface plates for use with the wet/dry sandpaper for lapping.