Thread: New member need help with honing!

Originally Posted by MarcPhoenix

@Ludvig I'll be sure to check them out thanks mate.

I got Lynn's DVD and he does a great job of going through the steps of honing. In pretty good detail also. I've just recently been honing razors in the past two months or so myself. What I have noticed is the people who have been doing it a long time have a very simple routine. Two (maybe three) stones and a strop (or two). After the razor is shave ready it's not too difficult to keep it that way. But once it gets dull it takes more time and knowledge it seems. It is not rocket science though even though it does take time to develope a technique and delicate touch. Finishing up with EXTREMELY light pressure seems to be the real key. Such a light touch that it's hard to imagine anything is being done. But it is. I'm getting a razor shave ready now but I bought a shave ready razor and the edge on it was a bit "crisper" if that makes sense. Good luck. Honing is relaxing to me. And don't forget to just enjoy it.

Jack

If you're getting the hone soon, may as well play with the razor on it before sending it out. This way you'll get some idea about the strokes and the feel and a tiny bit of practice. You most likely won't be able to get it sharp, but then somebody else will fix that for you.
The idea is to just practice a little bit and see what it takes to keep the razor flat on the hone, consistent strokes and uniform pressure.

Since it's 12k you won't damage the razor (i.e. I wouldn't recommend this if it were a 1k hone because they eat steal very, very fast, but the naniwa 12k is no problem).

Jack - Yeah I'm really looking forward to learning how to do it, I absolutely love shaving with my razor so I'm sure I'll enjoy this too. One of the videos I watched that another user recommended was really good but the guy made it look so simple, it probably is to those with experience lol

Gugi - yeah I did think that but I wasn't sure if it would ruin it. Now that you've cleared that up ill definately give it a go. Thanks man.

Can anyone recommend a decent strop or is that a silly question? The one I have sucks it came free with a cheapie razor. My dish and brush are both similar to the scales of the carpe diem, like dark wood so I'd like a strop that has a wooden handle also, any suggestions?

Most hanging strops have either leather handles or D rings. Most paddle strops have wood handles. As to brands, stick with the sponsors of this site and you should be fine with any strop you choose.