Thread: Honing before the blade gets dull?

Wasn't sure if this belonged in the honing section or the newbie section, but since I've only been shaving for three weeks I thought this question should go here.

First things first: thanks for the previous advice I'd gotten on this forum! It turned out to be spot on!

Here's my next one: I received my honing stones in the mail, and would love an excuse to try them. Is there any reason why I couldn't "polish" my edge, say, monthly, without waiting for it to get noticeably dull? Many thanks!

What stones ???

Hi medecineball,

There is no reason that you couldn't give your razor a few light passes on a fine stone every month before it gets noticeably dull. You would add a tiny amount of wear to the blade, but that would only mean that perhaps your great-great-grandson might inherit a visibly worn razor.

Cheers,
Jeff

You could do monthly maintenance, but keep in mind some razors may require a touchup sooner, some later. IMO the best (and easiest) maintenance strategy is to touchup at the first sign of deterioration with just a few laps on a hone or pasted strop. It will take away the guess work, ensure your razors are always sharp and prevent excessive honing.

You may consider getting a Barber Hone for a quick touch up.

I've got norton waterstones: 220, 1k, 4k, and 8k. Thanks.

When I drive my car I stop at every gas station to make sure the tank always stays full.

Funny? No not really. I would only hone my razors when they need it. Remember, when you hone you are removing steel from the razor and subjecting it to wear. Just catch it at the first signs and it won't take much.

The 8K is fine to keep you razor in tip top shape when needed.

A monthly light touch up with the 8000 why not, only few passes then strop.
For the other stones, if you want to use them, buy some old razor on ebay.

Thank you to all!

Good luck with the honing and do get a cheaper razor to practice your honing on. Good luck.