Lighten the honing stoke from the bottom side

[gssixgun]

I looked through here as well as my limited computer skills allow and didn't see this anywhere so I figured I would bring this up...

Does anyone else place a washcloth under their stone while honing or under the stone holder if you use one????

I swear it allows for just enough give while I hone to actually lighten the stroke from the bottom side also... Keep in mind I am not talking a fully folded cloth but just one fold just enough to give it a very slight cushion while honing???? If you haven't tried this give it a try and let me know your results....

[ChrisL]

Interesting notion, Glen. I can't say I've noticed that it adds a small amount of cushion, but I've always placed a once folded bar towel under my stone holder when I hone. I've done this to absorb the water rather than have it eventually run down into my lap during honing and adding additional water. I don't spritz the surface of the stones, I have an empty plastic honey bottle full of water when honing. It can get messy without the towel.

Chris L

[gssixgun]

That is why I started doing it way back when too Chris, but when I got a real stone holder I stopped and noticed the difference in feel on the honing stroke....So I started putting the cloth under the stone holder and it worked...

[ben.mid]

I do. Initially to stop it moving around, but i like the cushioning effect now. Either that, or i hold the smaller stones & that allows some give.

[mkevenson]

I also have a stone holder but always place a small towell under the holder, like others to absorb any water run off. Of course I am honing on the wooden kitchen table and the wife appreciates this. What she doesn't appreciate is when I leave my stones, rags, maas, holder etc on the table. Bad me.

[AFDavis11]

http://straightrazorpalace.com/basic...my-honing.html

From Feb 2006

[AusTexShaver]

It does make a difference cushioning your stone but I find I get more feedback if I hold the stone in my off hand.

[Garry]

I picked that tip up from Alan's honing guide a few years ago and still use this method to this day

[Quick]

When I got my stones and holder a little while ago I started using them on the stove and just folded up a giant beach towel under the holde. Mainly to catch water from spritzing the stone and a soft place to set the razor down. Folded up it's probably close to an inch thick. Then I found that it was convenient to angle the stone (and holder) slightly to the right or left depending on how I was standing and posture. Just press the stone/holder firmly on the left or right side for a very slight angle and it stays there. Still plenty solid enough not to move or wiggle while honing.

[nun2sharp]

Like Jimmy I use that mesh shelf liner stuff, it will keep the stone stable and does allow just a little give and some good feedback.