Norton 4000x/8000x Combination Waterstone

Norton 4000x/8000x Combination Waterstone

Highland Hardware has been an ardent proponent of Japanese waterstones for many years. So, when Norton came out with their waterstones, we wanted to give them a go. After almost two years of shop use and testing, we are pleased to offer these fine stones.

The 4000X/8000X stone measures 8 in. long x 3 in. wide x 1 in. thick.

We've found the Norton stones work just as remarkably as their Japanese counterparts, but with some differences. The Norton stones wear a little tougher in general, and thus require less frequent flattening. The 4000 grit stone is typically used to polish out the scratches left by the 1000 grit stone or as the stone used before final honing on the 8000 grit stone. Many woodworkers prefer to stop at the 4000 grit stone on tools that don't warrant the extra attention the 8000 grit stone provides. The 8000 grit stone is just wonderful, and is slowly becoming one of our favorite polishing stones. It will quickly put a mirror shine on the toughest tool steels including the new cryogenically treated A2's. All Norton stones are 3" wide x 8" long x 1" thick, making them wider than even our large Japanese waterstones. They will readily accommodate wider plane irons, and all tools can be easily honed with roller guides. The set of four stones includes the 220 grit, 1000 grit, 4000 grit and 8000 grit stones.

You care for and maintain Norton waterstones in all the ways you're familiar with (see our handout, Waterstone Sharpening). You can use the Norton Flattening Stone (156620) or any other method you like for truing all the stones. A nagura stone (426425) can be used to raise the slurry on the 4000 and 8000 grit stones. This process deglazes the two fine stones, making them cut faster and keeps them flat longer. Each stone comes in a nonskid, plastic case for clean use and storage.