Thread: New member need help with honing!

You can dull it gently on glass or by several other methods and work it back up.

Awesome. Thanks man. I'm Going to do some research now and decide on a hone.

Thanks for the help!

Ok so having read the guide I need a 10k finishing stone just to restore the edge, I've looked at the Naniwa 10k superstone, does anyone know if this is a good stone for just touching up and would it be suitable for my dovo?

Also how long do they generally last?

Sorry for all the questions I just don't want to ruin my dovo

Looking at the Naniwa SS line is a good idea,, I would go 12k rather then 10k however

Here is the catch..

After 9 months I personally think the Dovo will either need more grit or an experienced hand on the 12k.
There is no doubt in my mind that I could bring back the edge using some trick techniques (See Lynn & Glen one stone honing) but for a first time honer that might be a difficult row to hoe.

Now if you have the razor edge reset and brought back to shave ready, then use the NSS 12k to maintain that edge you are on to a good solid path

I have never worn out a finisher or a polisher.. 1k bevel setters, I have worn them through, but it takes about 5000 razors IME, I doubt a non-professional honer would need to worry much

Originally Posted by MarcPhoenix

Ok so having read the guide I need a 10k finishing stone just to restore the edge, I've looked at the Naniwa 10k superstone, does anyone know if this is a good stone for just touching up and would it be suitable for my dovo?

Also how long do they generally last?

Sorry for all the questions I just don't want to ruin my dovo

The Naniwa Super Stones are very reputable. Choosing hones is much about personal preference but Naniwa make quality hones and a lot of people like them even though some have other favorites, such as Shapton. But it's definitely not a bad stone.

Originally Posted by MarcPhoenix

Sorry for all the questions I just don't want to ruin my dovo

Marc,
I am always impressed by those who make the leap to honing especially when they are self-identified as newbies.
Wondering here; you got 9 months out of your new Dovo without honing? Assuming this is your first razor and first foray into SR shaving, let me say your mileage is INCREDIBLE; congrats.
+1 for those suggesting another razor to work on your honing technique.
I'll be monitoring the honing threads to hear how it goes for you.
[I only have a barber's hone and use it for light touch up work. I don't think I'm ready to begin shaving steel off the razor before I'm ultra good at shaving my beard/mustache. Again, Kudos and good luck]

Ok so I think what I'll do is have a professional sort out my dovo then invest in a 12k Naniwa to maintain the edge. Maybe when I'm a bit more confident I'll buy a few more stones so I can learn to set the bevel and such.

Thanks for all the help guys I really appreciate it.

ColonelG - I only shave 2-3 times a week and don't have the strongest of facial hair lol.

Originally Posted by MarcPhoenix

Ok so I think what I'll do is have a professional sort out my dovo then invest in a 12k Naniwa to maintain the edge. Maybe when I'm a bit more confident I'll buy a few more stones so I can learn to set the bevel and such.

Thanks for all the help guys I really appreciate it.

Sounds like a very solid plan,
do not forget you will need to lap the stone, with the way you are starting wet dry sandpaper would work,
but the DMT8C, Atoma or I-Wood for lapping is a good investment if you plan on getting into honing much beyond maintaining a blade or two.

+1 on the practice razor, look for one with minimal rust or black spots on especially on the cutting edge (preferably none on the edge), and look for a German, British or US made razor.

Check into a Norton 4k/8k stone, it's a proven workhorse. The superstone 10k-12k are also proven. Another option is the Chinese 12k natural stone from Woodcrafters, but being natural like all naturals it has variability in speed and grit. Lower grit stones (below 4k), there are many choices there, I use diamond hones below 1k and King Bear up to the Norton.

Good luck and ask many questions

Watch all the Lynn and Glenn videos, they are invaluable for learning basic to advanced skills