Norton IB8 Opinions

B

Bad Monkey

Joined
Jul 2, 2010
Messages
149
Hi guys, i'm considering buying a Norton IB8 benchstone to cover my sharpening needs, from what i've read so far it appears to be a pretty well regarded stone, but i'd also like to garner the opinions of you good gents as to its worth.

Thanks for any input.

Craig.
 
I love mine. It's not as fast as diamonds, nor as fine as an ultrafine ceramic, but it's an old standby that does a very nice job, especially on my carbon steel knives. When I need some relaxation, I pull it out, pour on some kerosene (in the garage), and get to work. This is my "zen of sharpening" stone. It does a very good job, and it's nice using a very traditional type oil stone from time to time.
 
Thanks sodak. "zen of sharpening" i like that, i find sharpening knives strangely therapautic!

So far it sounds like i've made the right decision, i don't need ultra scary sharp edges, just good honest edges that do what i require on some fairly low tech SS and Carbon steels (maybe some CV in the future)

Thanks for your input :thumbup:
 
I wouldn't take $$ for mine . I'll use it once a week to every other week . I use it dry, it will sharpen most any steel in decent time, leaving a good edge . The coarse is 150 grit and the fine 320 grit which is as fine as I needed for most of my cutting . Plus, get a strop and the green rogue to apply to it . This should take care of most of your sharpening needs . Good sharpening . DM
 
Is this the Coarse/Fine 8 inch one? If so, its a keeper. With A LOT of practice, you can get a hair whittling edge off the fine side. I used mine dry as well. The edge off the coarse side will shave your arm, but the fine will do even better. Remember, practice. Don't think something is wrong with the stone if you cant do it the first try.
 
I agree, a knife sharpened on the coarse side of this stone will easily shave arm hair . The older ones form the 80's gave the fine side at 500-550 grit about 200 grit finer . DM
 
me2 said:
Is this the Coarse/Fine 8 inch one?
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IB is the Grey/Orange SiC and India combination stone.
JB is the same thing with both sides of SiC.

Personally, I enjoy the feel of Carborundum better, but lately all I've been using is a 4" piece of broken medium-grit India.
Its pretty amazing what you can do with one of these.
 
Thanks for your input gents, i've gone ahead and ordered one today.

'nother question, do Norton pre oil their stones? not a deal breaker, just curious.

Thanks again.

Craig.
 
Yes, they come pre-oiled . But if you don't like that just boil it for 3-4 min. remove and allow it to cool on a dry cloth . This takes alot out . DM
 
I've had the same one for over 30 years. It is still in great shape. I use WD40 on mine. I've tried some other stones, but the Norton is my work horse. Good choice.

Ric
 
I know this is an old thread but I am currently looking at this combo stone and had a question.

It seems like it really is a coarse on both sides, would I need to use some kind of fine stone after this stone or would it create a sharp enough (I know it is all relative to use) but I need to know if I would need say the spyderco medium and/or fine after using this Norton one to get a very good cutting edge!

Thanks.
 
I like my edges right off the IB8 but I may prefer a coarser edge than you (320 grit). You'll have to try it and see. The medium ceramic is 600 grit. DM
 
David Martin said:
I like my edges right off the IB8 but I may prefer a coarser edge than you (320 grit). You'll have to try it and see. The medium ceramic is 600 grit. DM
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I really dont know what I prefer as I dont use a knife alot outside the kitchen.

sodak said:
What David said! :D
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What grit to they figure the IB8 is? Sorry if I missed it but dont recall it stated. When you say "medium is 600" are you referring to the spydie stone I mentioned?
 
sir_mike, i believe the coarse side is 150 grit and the fine side 320 grit. Like David Martin, i'm happy with my edges straight off the 320 grit, they cover all my needs including cleaning game. I did toy for a while refining the edges on a 600 grit Arkansas stone, but rarely bother nowadays.
 
Bad Monkey said:
sir_mike, i believe the coarse side is 150 grit and the fine side 320 grit. Like David Martin, i'm happy with my edges straight off the 320 grit, they cover all my needs including cleaning game. I did toy for a while refining the edges on a 600 grit Arkansas stone, but rarely bother nowadays.
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I am glad that 320 is good enough as I dont want to use four or five different stones to get the job done! If I were to consider one more grit stone for some finishing, what grit would you recommend? That 600 grit or something higher?

Thx.
 
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Keep working and observing with your kitchen knives as this will inform you. Stropping will refine a blade more as will an additional stone. A piece of cardboard or leather is easy to come by. DM
 
I see some of the older posting have some saying they use this stone dry. Is that better or worse than using it with oil as recommended by Norton? If I can use it dry, I would rather!

Thx.
 
sir_mike said:
I see some of the older posting have some saying they use this stone dry. Is that better or worse than using it with oil as recommended by Norton? If I can use it dry, I would rather!

Thx.
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I prefer to use it dry, i found the norton supplied honing oil really good for cleaning/ungumming the stone after sharpening, followed by a quick rinse with soapy water to wash off the oil.
 
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