Feel like for a long time there was always a favorite recommendation, being norton 4/8, then naniwa 12k as the finisher (or all naniwas). I think with the warping in some naniwas, it might not be worth the headache of someone new getting a warped 12k. Goal would be what to recomend for anyone jumping in, that didn't find the natural edge they want to chase yet. Can't say for sure but could see some people ending up with a synthetic progression with 2 or 3 different brands that might not overlap well (or just picking a random recommendation that might not be worth it).
The below is what I think I would recommend in order - but curious what you guys say. Not that I'm always throwing out recommendations, but feel it can be a bit confusing with all of the options. All the options below I am going to pretend they have a lapping plate.
1. Sticking to a brand you have if it is good.
Pros you keep everything in the same set.
Cons being what you have might be be a great bridge into future stones or finish well.
( could see paste being added to these sets though and working just fine, but not everyone enjoys them).
2. Shapton rockstars maybe?
Would recomend the 6k and 10k for 200. My experience is with the glass stones but I believe these are suppose to be an improvement.
Pros being you have high quality stones with good range. Also other options in the line to fit someones needs. I would think it would be easy to sell as well.
Cons being you don't have a great way to reset bevels yet. I'm assuming these are an improvement on the glass stones, but with how new they are not sure.
3. Naniwa 5k, 8k, then ?
Maybe recomend the 12k but make them aware of the potential problem. Think it would be in the 200$ ball park range but I hate how quickly they can load up. Could also consider the naniwa combo to 10k plus some sort of paste. This would get you in the game for 120 ish bucks.
Cons being you might want to eventually find another synthetic finisher you want.
I know the shapton ceramics are recommended a good bit but unsure how their synthetic finishing is as a final stone. I can see them being great for building up to a natural though. I'm also aware of the suehiro stones, but not sure if the lower grits are worth the extra money. Stones I don't know that much about are the different naniwa lines (love the chosera 1k but don't know if I'd recommend others). Also aware of the small shapton glass stones but not sure I would want to recomend a smaller stones to someone new.
I also love recommending naturals, but don't want to add frustration of a natural stone to someone who is new. I think most people should try different edges first, but have obviously seen plenty of people jump right in.
Interested to see what you guys think. I feel like everytime a beginner ask for a suggestion he is given 20+ options haha.
The below is what I think I would recommend in order - but curious what you guys say. Not that I'm always throwing out recommendations, but feel it can be a bit confusing with all of the options. All the options below I am going to pretend they have a lapping plate.
1. Sticking to a brand you have if it is good.
Pros you keep everything in the same set.
Cons being what you have might be be a great bridge into future stones or finish well.
( could see paste being added to these sets though and working just fine, but not everyone enjoys them).
2. Shapton rockstars maybe?
Would recomend the 6k and 10k for 200. My experience is with the glass stones but I believe these are suppose to be an improvement.
Pros being you have high quality stones with good range. Also other options in the line to fit someones needs. I would think it would be easy to sell as well.
Cons being you don't have a great way to reset bevels yet. I'm assuming these are an improvement on the glass stones, but with how new they are not sure.
3. Naniwa 5k, 8k, then ?
Maybe recomend the 12k but make them aware of the potential problem. Think it would be in the 200$ ball park range but I hate how quickly they can load up. Could also consider the naniwa combo to 10k plus some sort of paste. This would get you in the game for 120 ish bucks.
Cons being you might want to eventually find another synthetic finisher you want.
I know the shapton ceramics are recommended a good bit but unsure how their synthetic finishing is as a final stone. I can see them being great for building up to a natural though. I'm also aware of the suehiro stones, but not sure if the lower grits are worth the extra money. Stones I don't know that much about are the different naniwa lines (love the chosera 1k but don't know if I'd recommend others). Also aware of the small shapton glass stones but not sure I would want to recomend a smaller stones to someone new.
I also love recommending naturals, but don't want to add frustration of a natural stone to someone who is new. I think most people should try different edges first, but have obviously seen plenty of people jump right in.
Interested to see what you guys think. I feel like everytime a beginner ask for a suggestion he is given 20+ options haha.
