Thread: Where to start honing?

I haven't posted on here much no one probably remembers me, but I have been shaving with a straight razor for a year and a half now (and never want to even see a crappy disposable again). Now I want to start learning how to hone my blades and was wondering if anyone can point me to some good articles/videos that teach the process and about the stones?

gssixgun / Gemstar Customs - YouTube

Go there and find a video set that uses the hones/stones that you plan on using. Watch it and watch it again...then watch it again.

Some would say to watch a lot of videos...personally I think there are lots of methods to do the job, and you should find one that seems interesting and learn it. If you watch 20 different guys, you will likely see 15 or more different methods and end up confused. Pick one and make it work...if it totally sucks, then pick another method to try...but keep it simple.

That is my novice advice

Originally Posted by unit

gssixgun / Gemstar Customs - YouTube

Go there and find a video set that uses the hones/stones that you plan on using. Watch it and watch it again...then watch it again.

Some would say to watch a lot of videos...personally I think there are lots of methods to do the job, and you should find one that seems interesting and learn it. If you watch 20 different guys, you will likely see 15 or more different methods and end up confused. Pick one and make it work...if it totally sucks, then pick another method to try...but keep it simple.

That is my novice advice

I think my first problem is that I don't know what kind of stones I want to use.

There's a lot of good info out there to help you get going, I would recommend to do a search on Youtube for Lynn and gssixgun's honing videos, also take a look at the JaNorton thread, and of course the wiki pages.

Here's a couple videos of Lynn and Glen using the Norton 4/8

Originally Posted by dreadlocks1221

I think my first problem is that I don't know what kind of stones I want to use.

Norton 4/8 or Naniwa SS 3/8 would be a good choice to start with, I started with the Naniwa, but if I'd start over again today I would have went for the Norton for sure, a well known, good combo stone.


Good luck!

Originally Posted by dreadlocks1221

I think my first problem is that I don't know what kind of stones I want to use.

I use the Norton Stones (4/8K). Inexpensive and easy to use. If you can, add the 1K and a flattener and you are golden!

Thanks for the advice, I will start looking into the videos, I see a few stones on the classified here, but are there any other shops online you'd recommend buying stones from?

This is also a good resource posted by Glen a few days ago. Post #8. http://straightrazorpalace.com/hones...irst-time.html

Regards,

Howard

Originally Posted by SirStropalot

This is also a good resource posted by Glen a few days ago. Post #8. http://straightrazorpalace.com/hones...irst-time.html

Regards,

Howard

thanks for the link, I guess I consider myself a hobbyist looking for the perfect edge, but I do want to learn about setting a bevel too, the stone recommendations on that post look good.

Assuming that you have one or more razors which are already in good shape, and also assuming that you're looking for
the simplest and cheapest "starter" gear, you can get into honing by stages, as your experience increases and your
budget allows:

Stage 1....A barber hone
Stage 2....A Norton 4/8K combo stone and a DMT 325 plate to keep it flat and clean
Stage 3....A finishing stone (a Naniwa 12K is a good one)
Stage 4....A bevel-setter (like a 1K Norton or Naniwa)

You'd be wise to consult someone with lots of honing experience (a so-called "honemeister") at each stage. Videos
are good, this forum is great, but person-to-person, one-on-one is best of all.

Good luck!

'Just makes me happy to see you taking this step. It can drive you nuts, but you'll get it. All Best of luck.