Thread: Thoughts on "Less is more." in honing

When I first came around to SRP and got into honing with a passion I read everything on the forum that I could find on the topic. I was soon confused by what appeared to me to be contradictory information. On the one hand I read Lynn's admonition that 'Less is more'. On the other some members talked about hundreds of strokes and in particular taking the scratch pattern from the previous grit completely off before moving on to the next grit.

As time passed and I acquired some razors honed by Lynn and other honmiesters examination under magnification revealed that there was still a scratch pattern and in some razors the previous patterns blended with the others. None were scratch free. All shaved superlatively. I had been feeling my way learning to hone right along and finally came to understand the less is more theory.

Once the bevel is set and the razor passes the TNT whether moving to a pyramid with synthetics or progressive with naturals I use the TPT and occasional examination under magnification to judge my progress. When I feel the edge is there I move up the grit ladder. Once the edge is as keen as a Norton 4/8 or the equivalent will get it I strop and test shave. If the edge is satisfactory I will move to higher grit finishing hones. If not back to the 4/8 or the equivalent until it is.

I pay little attention to removing the scratches. Only the quality of the edge based on the TPT and later if it will 'pop' hair off of my forearm. I don't knock those who want to polish their edges to a super smooth bevel but I don't find it necessary for a smooth and bbs shave and I think it probably leaves a more fragile edge as well as being a waste of time and metal. Just IMHO, as always, YMMV.