Howard from “The Perfect Edge” is a ...

**Stagehand** · 11-23-2008, 07:54 PM

Howard from “The Perfect Edge” is a true gentleman…

I was feeling the need for a new hone (HAD??). Having never tried a natural stone I wanted to try a Belgian Blue as well as a coticule. So, I gave Howard from “The Perfect Edge” a call. Come to find out he is less than an hour away from me. We met yesterday (Saturday) afternoon.

You think you have hones? You should see this mans collection!! Soon I was knee deep in rock from all over the world. I was amazed with the variety of shape, size, and color. Check out his museum page on his website. </TITLE><html> <head> <title>The Perfect Edge

Then we started honing. First, the Shapton system, Howard took a very dull Boker King Cutter from 4k thru 16k. In just a few minutes, we had a shave ready razor. Under the magnifying glass, the edge was as reflective as any mirror. Out came the 30k. With 10 laps on the 30k, what I thought was a mirror edge paled to what I saw now. All I can say is Wow!

On to the Belgians… Having never used them I didn’t’ know what to expect. Howard dug out an 8”x3” natural combination stone. Visually it was beautiful, being half blue and half yellow. First, a quick lapping on a DMT plate, then out of a pile of razors, Howard found a HMC handmade razor. Using a slurry stone, He took me thru the simple process of prepping and using the hone. Just like with the Shapton’s he had a great edge within a very few minutes. Very impressive.

I am now the proud owner of a 6”x2” natural combination stone with a Cotigura slurry stone.

I had a fantastic time. Howard is very generous with his time as well as his vast knowledge of hones and honing.

When I got home last night I honed several razors with my new hone and am waiting very impatiently until this evening to shave.

Howard Thank You Again...Sean

**English** · 11-23-2008, 08:09 PM

Well said Sean.

It's good to know who you can trust in this world. Howard is clearly one of the good guys.

**droche** · 12-11-2008, 12:32 AM

I had a similar experience with Howard. I bought a razor and had read that nowadays they are never "shave ready" from the store, so I did an internet search for "straight razor sharpening in Massachusetts," found Howard's name on this forum and, to my pleasant surprise, he was located in the town next to the one in which I live. I made an appointment with him, went to his place and he went to work. My razor had a double bevel, which he didn't like, and was warped. He spent a good 45 min straightening all that out, using 4,000; 8,000; 16,000 and 30,000 stones. He didn't charge me extra but I gave him a little extra and would have given him more if I had any. He is a perfectionist; very meticulous, and like was mentioned previous, his collection of stones is most impressive. I highly recommend his services. That man knows what he is doing and is obviously dedicated to the art of sharpening.

**ChrisL** · 12-11-2008, 01:18 AM

I agree Howard is a top notch person and great to talk with. Very early on in my interest with straight razors I purchased an 8"x3" coticule. I knew almost nothing about hones/honing, natural stones, etc. It actually wasn't until months later that I realized.....I think the 8x3 I bought from him was an 8x3" natural combo stone! The price difference is dramatic and I contacted Howard as I was intent on alerting him to the mistake and either exchanging it for what I intended on purchasing or paying him extra for the more expensive stone. Howard said that I should consider it a gift and that he liked to do that now and again for the SRP guys. It's one of the most unique natural combo coticules I have since the surface is a very nice green color and the BBW side is a light purple.

I'm sure glad he's a member here and provides the services that he does.

Chris L

**dward** · 12-11-2008, 11:47 AM

I'll be ordering from him today or tomorrow...

**smokelaw1** · 12-11-2008, 12:18 PM

I think he's a little over an hour from me (in the Hartford, CT area). I think I might need to get up there, buy some stones, and beg for some of his valuable time. Imagine the benefit to learning about honing by watching someone with those skills!

**FreyGrimrod** · 01-16-2009, 11:00 PM

WOW I acquired the start of the all to common SAD from Howard (1k,4k,8k, and 16k along with the holder) and while they are indeed amazing if only they were as nice as Howard. Do believe we lost track of time and he had to reschedule one of his other appointments

and he put up with me making a 20 point turn while leaving since I failed to park where he had suggested on the phone oops. His hone collection is phenomenal as stated before. Now that I'm no longer so hairy my face will once again be cold in this weather we are having

Thank You Howard

**Bart** · 01-16-2009, 11:20 PM

Originally Posted by smokelaw1

I think he's a little over an hour from me (in the Hartford, CT area). I think I might need to get up there, buy some stones, and beg for some of his valuable time. Imagine the benefit to learning about honing by watching someone with those skills!

He's more than a day travel away from me, and that includes an intercontinental flight.

How I wish I could have the opportunity to actually meet a guy like Howard.
And a few others as well.

Bart.

**Philadelph** · 01-18-2009, 07:02 AM

+1 Howard's a good guy!

**sparq** · 01-18-2009, 03:31 PM

+1 Yes, he really is!

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