Quote Originally Posted by Utopian View Post
The best way to avoid doing this again is to never let your razor be anywhere nearer to your sink than your face. Don't rinse your blade off in the sink. I know it looked cool in the movies but it is asking for just the damage you already did. Wipe lather off on a cloth or sponge. This will avoid dings and will prevent getting water in the pivot where it is most likely to lead to rust.
Good idea. I suspect it may have contacted the cup or something.

For your main question, the answer is always the same...

It is easier to keep a razor sharp than it is to sharpen a razor. As soon as you notice an diminishment in the quality of the shave, that is the time to touch up the razor. 5 to 10 very light round trip strokes on the 8k Norton should be your starting point, followed by stropping. If you are still not satisfied with the shave, repeat it before your next shave. Go ahead and do it a few days in a row if needed.

This should be sufficient to help you get the most from what you have. If you do get another ding, after you figure out your honing stroke, then you can try to repair it yourself with the 4k or, if need be, the 1k.
Thanks! I was wondering what would be a good approach. Will likely send this in for honing, once I get my magnifying glass and can look at the edge to see how it is doing overall. Maybe I can ask SRD for comments on the edge as well.

Then you can consider getting a higher grit hone. The two most commonly raved about here (not the only options by any means) are the Naniwa SuperStone (now called Select I think) 12k and the Suehiro Gokumyo 20k.
Again, thanks, I'll look into the forums to learn more about these, so I can make an intelligent purchase later on. Will try to work with what I have for now (when I need to hone). I've got some time, assuming I do OK with maintaining the Spike.

Also, be sure to read up on hone lapping. It is not optional.
Yes, I have the flattening stone that I'll use, when I get to honing. I'm in no rush to start honing, since I have time available.