Thread: Why Beginners Shouldn't Try To Hone

Firstly the disclaimer - this post is based entirely on my experience since I started using a cut-throat razor over a year ago and should, in no way be taken as gospel - just my opinion (and we all know what they're like...hehehe).

Some here will know that I started completely the 'wrong' way on my journey into the straight shaving world by buying cheap Chinese razor and trying to shave with it straight out of the box - mistake number one.

Mistake number two - I shaved my entire face from the very first try using only my dominant hand.

Mistake number three - I bought a couple of razors off eBay and thought I could clean them up and hone them to shave ready WITHOUT knowing what shave ready was.

At about this time I found SRP and bought a shave ready razor from a vendor here - imagine my surprise when it shaved very, very well. (Given my experience at that time a broken beer bottle would have been better than what I had been using...hehehe)
FWIW It's never been near a hone since I got it and it still shaves well!!

I also found out about getting new razors honed prior to their first use and stretching the skin and using light pressure and using proper lather...and the list goes on.

I was infected with RAD and kept buying razor after razor, learned to make scales, unpin and repin and also to hone up to a standard that I was comfortable with..........and therein lies the problem - my shaving technique.

I went to use a razor the other day that I hadn't used for a few weeks and, IIRC, it gave me a great shave last time I used it.
This time it pulled and tugged and was not comfortable at all......"What's gone wrong here" I asked myself, quizzically, "this blade was sharp. Has my stropping turned to s^%t?"

I then had a BFO (Blinding Flash of the Obvious) - I was using a lighter pressure than I had ever used before ie. my TECHNIQUE had improved so much in just few weeks - that the blade I thought was sharp a few weeks ago was now not up to par.

It only took a few laps on the coticle that I just purchased to bring it up to speed (another lesson), however, it bought home to me how our shaving technique impacts on how we judge the 'shave readiness' of a razor and our results on a hone.

I've posted this in the beginners section so that our newer members might benefit from my experience because I see so many posts asking which hone to buy etc. and beginners need to know that, even if they can use a hone effectively, what they need from an edge will evolve as their technique improves.

I apologise if I seem condesending - it is not meant that way at all.
I just want all our members to enjoy the experience of shaving how it is meant to be.

Now all I have to do is tell myself to 'Hang on and enjoy the ride'

Thanks for reading.

BTW It only says 'Senior Member' under my user name 'cause I'm old.

Great advice. Take it slow and enjoy the ride.

Great post and great advice. Many a times I suggest a similar path but never take the time to give the reason why. I hope this helps explain why so many of us offer the advice to get your first razor properly honed.

Well,as a new guy,you totally burst my bubble...but i appreciate it! My disposable razor is shaving better than my Dovo right now.Much better.I have been seriously eyeballing my hone...I think i'll wait

This makes me feel extra lucky, i found SRP before i bought my first razor. Im positive this has helped and i havent bought any duff gear.

Originally Posted by MoreWhisky

This makes me feel extra lucky, i found SRP before i bought my first razor. Im positive this has helped and i havent bought any duff gear.

Seriously, you should see some of the rubbish I bought and the BS advice I read before I found this place.
You are lucky to have found it first.
Hang on and enjoy the ride

Great Post ! Super helpfull

I never would have thought that shaving technique would make a razor seem more dull, but it actually makes sense. Thank you for your wisdom, I will consider this on further shaves.

I don't think the razor seems more dull - it just lets you identify a truly shave ready blade when you use less pressure - especially ATG on the top lip
Hang on and enjoy the ride

Havachat, my dear friend, an excellent post. Thank you for your thoughts and for sharing your experiences. Well done.