What kind of hone?

My boyfriend has a straight razor that he loves, but he never uses it because he says it isn't sharp enough, so I wanted to get him a hone for Christmas (he has a strop). Problem is, I have no idea what kind of hone to get him. I've done some research, but I'm still not sure. I think it's an old razor that hasn't been sharpened for quite some time, but I don't know for sure because I don't want to ask him for fear of giving away the surprise of the gift. What might be a good beginner hone to get him?

I wouldn't be surprised if one of the experts chimes in with an offer of a honing (given how close it is to xmas). That may buy you some time to gather more opinions from here. I'm kinda in the same boat.

In my opinion -- the most versatile stone available -- Norton 24336 Japanese-Style Combination Waterstone 4000/8000 Grit, 8-Inch by 3-Inch by 1-Inch: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

Here's the thing, though, honing a razor takes some practice. Actually, it takes a lot of practice. I'd be pleased to hone your boyfriend's razor, no charge, send me a PM if you're interested.

I'd suggest your gift should be to have it sent out for a professional honing instead of buying a hone itself. It takes a lot to learn how to properly hone a razor and giving him a stone won't guarantee it gets done correctly. He will appreciate this once he gets it back and shaves with it for the first time.

stimpy - That's so nice to offer! Thank you, however I think I will stick with buying a hone.

Other questions, though:
What makes a waterstone different than any other kind of hone?
If I were to not get a waterstone, would I need to buy some kind of oil or lather to go with it?
Rather than a combination grit, do you (or anyone) think that just an 8000 or 1000 would work, or would that be too fine?

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Originally Posted by Brenngun

I'd suggest your gift should be to have it sent out for a professional honing instead of buying a hone itself. It takes a lot to learn how to properly hone a razor and giving him a stone won't guarantee it gets done correctly. He will appreciate this once he gets it back and shaves with it for the first time.

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If I were to send it out, where do you suggest? I live in a small town, so I don't think there are any local places. What websites are better/worse?

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Originally Posted by sjbasar528

If I were to send it out, where do you suggest? I live in a small town, so I don't think there are any local places. What websites are better/worse?

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Well that depends are where you are. You can send it through the mail to most of the honing services. You will find a nice list in the services forum (see link below). Nothing wrong with the first guy listed since he runs this joint. Just send him or them a PM and they will respond. By the way Stimpy made a nice gesture. Certainly up to you but don't look a gift horse in the mouth (no offence Stimpy....).

http://straightrazorpalace.com/class...wcat.php?cat=4

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Brenngun

I'd suggest your gift should be to have it sent out for a professional honing instead of buying a hone itself. It takes a lot to learn how to properly hone a razor and giving him a stone won't guarantee it gets done correctly. He will appreciate this once he gets it back and shaves with it for the first time.

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This is an excellent idea - at least then he will be able to shave with a razor that he knows will work properly (and something to compare with once he starts honing himself).

I would also suggest getting it honed professionally, but a good starter hone is the Norton 4/8K combo stone, he'll still need to get a finishing stone in the future (I picked up a Naniwa 12K) to get that extra little bit of sharpness.

STOP!!!

Learn to shave first

Learn to touch up next

Learn to hone last

You must become efficient at one to truly take your learned skills to the other level. Hones are not the answer for this ladies boyfriend. Having it honed is not either as we are too close to Christmas to send out, have it honed, and to return it. About the best answer considering the time would be to purchase a shave ready razor...this way he would have two anyways.