Thread: Amazing shave off the Naniwa 12k

I have never honed before but with 5 razors in my rotation, I had sought advice about how to refresh a razor between honings. Several members recommended the Naniwa 12k and a DMT 325 to lap it (and do other things later). Others gave advice on how I should approach starting with it, and how I should break in the DMT before lapping. And then, of course, there were the videos of Lynn and Gssixgun which were almost like having in-person teachers.

All the gear came last week, but I was tied up traveling for work, so it was this weekend before I gave the lessons the test. In the meantime I had a really uncomfortable shave with my original 30 year old Hoffritz 5/8 which Lynn had honed for me last summer. It had been one of my better shavers, but had deteriorated to the tug/pull level (I have 5 razors in rotation, so use it about once every two weeks).

Well I after the break in process for the DMT (shaft of a screwdriver), I lapped the Naniwa, and sat down the next day to give a refresh a shot. I was nervous, but just imitated Lynn and Glenn (did 10 passes), then followed with 5 laps on CrOx or linen followed by a regular stropping on my (new) SRD modular paddle. The blade looked and felt sharp, and tree-topped arm hair, so with some trepidation, I shaved with it this morning. It was a great smooth shave, maybe the smoothest and best I've had since getting a razor straight from SRD.

Thanks again the everyone! BTW, I think I now have HAD.

Congrats!!!

IF you only need hones for maintenance of your razors, then you already have everything you need.

Some people don't care much about the honing aspect of the overall hobby. If you find yourself in that group, Utopian already nailed it in that you don't need much else to maintain your razors moving forward. Some people enjoy the honing element, others not. Some like restoration and making scales, others not. In the end, getting a good shave is what matters most and it looks like you got that. Good for you.

Atta Boy, Harold!

That's really cool!

Originally Posted by OCDshaver

Some people don't care much about the honing aspect of the overall hobby. If you find yourself in that group, Utopian already nailed it in that you don't need much else to maintain your razors moving forward. Some people enjoy the honing element, others not. Some like restoration and making scales, others not. In the end, getting a good shave is what matters most and it looks like you got that. Good for you.

Yes - I've now done about three of my blades, just about 25 X passes on the Nani 12k, then another 15-20 on the Escher, some laps on the crox, then linen, then leather, and actually quite surprised myself at how easy it was and what an awesome result I got. Completely refreshed the blade...so as OCDshaver says, I'm probably going to stick with the refreshing aspect for now - that was a big leap for me to begin with, didn't want to damage my blades, so I'm going to stay with this routine...really very cool thing to do!