Thread: What about a honing contest?

Originally Posted by Bruno

The whole point is that allowing variables makes it fun, and allows people to use what they know best.

Another major issue (imo) is that the judges can only judge the edge and not the technique used.
The judges don't care if you can only hone 1 razor per month under a full moon after a week of fasting and meditation, using only a concrete brick. If that razor would have the best edge, you'd win.

The more someone tries to make it 'fair', the less fun it would be imo.

Exactly! Would any of you guys watch NASCAR if they all drove the same cars? Unfortunately, in an attempt to make it "fair", they are just about driving the same car.

Sheesh, this is just a friendly contest! We don't need a PGA rule book or some complex set of "you must use this stone, this many strokes", etc. There's a saying in racing... "Run what ya brung." Sharpen it with what ya got, spit on the blade, polish it, and send it off to the judges. Personally, I think the standardization and rules should end with just using the same brand of razor. And as far as variances between razors of the same brand? pfffft. Take it like a man, and sharpen what fate has given you.

Half the newbie questions are what progression, what hones, films, pastes, etc.? There are different approaches, techniques, and honing materials used by different people. Some of that is personal preference. That preference is likely to have been influenced by matching your physical abilities and preference to particular equipment If you want to test honing materials then make a honing machine (like Iron Byron for golf). If you want to test someone's stroke then get a pressure sensitive pad. If you want to test a finished razor then have someone experienced shave with it (shouldn't be any stipulations on that either).

It would be interesting (contestants willing) to list the honing procedure and materials used for each entry after the results have been judged. Each entry would be returned with a description of the honing process. The description would be kept "sealed" until after the judging and then included with the posted results.

#1 -> honing desc
#2 -> honing desc
.
.

Did the contest ever get started?

No, it's a work in progress. The competition razors rescaling job is a work in progress. Still looking for a 4th judge. The participation rules are nearly finished. The jury guidelines are coming together.
If you browse back to my original post, you'll notice that I always spoke about a honing contest in 2009.

Bart.

Originally Posted by Bart

If you browse back to my original post, you'll notice that I always spoke about a honing contest in 2009.

Bart.

That means it will be good to go some time in the next 12 months! Thanks for your efforts.

I appreciate the timeline. I wasn't really in the loop to begin with and have been away for a little while and I wasn't sure if anything ever came about from the discussion on it.

Pandora's Box anyone?

poona,

Your optimism is greatly refreshing.