Thread: NOOB to straight razor shaving

Hello all this is agreat site. I just recently completed my 3rd straight razor shave, 3 passes (WTG, XTG,and, ATG) even successfully completed the fools pass. I am definetly hooked ,since I have gotten the best closest shave in my life. I know they say that NOOBS should use a round point , but I am liking the square which I think is better for fine hair trimming , like under the nose. I have a dumb question do fine grit 16000 and 32000 ceramic stones need to be lapped ? I only want for now to do fine grit sharpening ; for heavy honing I plan to have my razor sent and done by someone else. Thus far my blade is staying very sharp with stropping and use the newspaper method once. I need to learn a lot about honing and it will take a while before I can purchase all the sharpening stones (ie, cost). I only right now have one straight razor which is a 5/8 reconditioned A. Whitte square point.

Congrats on the successful shave

Yes, even fine grit hones need to be lapped. You are on the right track by concentrating on shaving technique and putting honing on the backburner. But you shouldn't be intimidated by touchups. Yes, it's very basic honing, but it's also very easy to do. When your razor starts to tug or doesn't feel as keen just do 10 laps or so, no pressure, on a high grit hone and you're good to go again.

Thank you for your expert advice. Sincerely, John Taylor.