"The Expert" DIlemma of Honing/Stroppimg

My favorite adage is sharp is sharp and I think when you are straight shaving (to Me) there is only black and white, its either sharp or its not shave ready. Sure some razors just shave more comfortably than others no matter how much of a honemeister you are, but I also think that for the average razor some people think Lynn performs some kind of hocus pocus on a razor and I think that he would be the first to say that anyone can do equally as well. Now let me say I mean the average razor (like one just needing touch -up or basic sharpening not an Eboy special) maybe for more challenging razors thats a different story and then someone like lynn with advanced honing skills needs those skills to do the job. But for one in good shape to begin with we can all reach a high degree of sharpness.

Sorry, but I have to say if you don't know what your doing you can mess up a razor on a strop. With a hone you can inflict some really major damage possibly beyond the scope of repair by only but a real honemeister.

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Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Sorry, but I have to say if you don't know what your doing you can mess up a razor on a strop. With a hone you can inflict some really major damage possibly beyond the scope of repair by only but a real honemeister.

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Well, now we've gone full circle. :D

Either straight razor honing is accessible to someone with average intelligence, or it's not. Either it's a black art, or it's not. Either it's attainable without ridiculous amounts of effort (study Lynn's demo on the DVD, be prepared to have some bad hones at the start), or it's not.

Now the issue of source razor and metal comes in. Fair enough, but maybe some of the vets can see why I posted this thread in the first place. I don't mind learning a new task, but not if it's impossible to learn without flying to somewhere to sit at the seat of a master for three months. Or getting an advanced degree in metallurgy...

Hi Guys,

I don't think comparing me is the right way to go. I have honed almost 8,000 razors which gives me a lot of experience with both new and old and needy razors. Years ago, I knew what a great edge was because I could feel it. I think we all should strive for that smooth baby butt shave from the beginning and do our best to get there. It can be done with a little patience and practice. What really kills the new guys is the I gotta be able to do it right now part......... When you spend hours on a razor, it usually ends up with way more metal off than is necessary. There are a ton of helpful people here and I feel, the best information available. Take your time and enjoy absorbing all you can. This is a killer endeavor that truly will last your lifetime and your children's and theirs.

Have fun,

Lynn

Yes it is possible to teach yourself to hone with little more than the information you will find here on SRP. I think what is causing you concern is the typical advise to learn to hone with an e-bay special. If you try to hone a razor that is already shave-ready before you have learned to hone, it is possible to damage the edge. However, by the time you have brought an e-bay butter knife to shave ready yourself, you've made it through the learning curve and from that point forward you are just practicing and refining your skills.

I learned to hone before I learned to shave with a straight. Many of the senior members here did the same. After learning to hone and shaving for awhile, only then did I purchase a 'Lynn honed' razor. Truthfully, had I purchased it earlier, I'd not have been able to appreciate the skill that went into its honing. When I first shaved with that razor, I had a new benchmark to strive for with my own honing.

FWIW, those were my experiences.
Cheers,
Ed

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Originally Posted by Smedley

I don't mind learning a new task, but not if it's impossible to learn without flying to somewhere to sit at the seat of a master for three months. Or getting an advanced degree in metallurgy...

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I only started honing razors 5 months ago or so.
I have not yet compared my edges with Lynn's, due to postal service problems. :rant:

But I have honed several razors to a good shaving edge. Maybe they were not perfect, but I could get smooth shaves without pressure and no razor burn afterwards.

I have also sharpened warped and curved razors. Most notably the frameback given to me by Nelson (thebigspendur) that was as warped and as sharp as a banana. That one is now my favorite razor.
Then again, 1 of the razors I honed for gawker was a 4/8 hollow, and I couldn't get it sharp no matter what I tried.

The only thing you need besides a norton 4K/8K, a small yellow coticule and a good strop is the willingness to spend time with your razors. In the beginning you will make mistakes, and it will take a lot more time than it would take an experienced honer, but this is not rocket science.
Note: the coticule is not a strict requirement, but a finishing stone or pasted strop comes in real handy.

I also agree that comparing to Lynn is a bad idea. Razors are his life (or at least so it seems). Even if you really like razors and start honing razors almost daily, he still has a 30 year head start on you. Becoming a demi-god takes time. ;)

As someone once said: raod are for traveling, not for destinations.
Ok, enough philosophical blabber. my point is that with a bit of practice and the right tools, anyone can hone razors to a decent level.