Thread: Am I bitting off more than I can chew

Originally Posted by StuartPhillips

what are your thourghts in polishing stones vs strop paste?

I've been told, beginners rave about strop pastes and diamond sprays but mostly everyone will end up using finishing stones 12k or higher and never touch the pastes again YMMV.

I'm not sure how it works but you may want to try to find someone in your area for some mentoring esp with honing.
Also UK hone miester is rather expensive compared to US.

Yes you are biting off more than you can chew. Get it pro honed, and don't strop it when it comes back. Your first shave should be straight out of the box. That will take the razors edge variable out of what went on in your first shave. Hopefully the second goes as great.

Originally Posted by RedGladiator

I've been told, beginners rave about strop pastes and diamond sprays but mostly everyone will end up using finishing stones 12k or higher and never touch the pastes again YMMV.

I would say that after experience absolutely a 12k would make sense once you have the skills to use one. I am only 4mos into SR shaving. I found for me that I was able to pick up a good strop technique fairly quickly. I would venture to say that most would agree that a good sound strop tehnique is high on the priority list of things to learn first. I found after I had it figured out. A good couple of laps with paste on the strop were just what the doctor ordered to get my razor back up to snuff after the first couple of sessions where I did more bad than good with my stropping. I'm sure it depends on the severity of damage done though. For me I was able to get my edge back to where I used it for 2 more months before sending out for re hone.
As to the OP I agree with the other comments. Yes you more than likely are biting off more than you can chew to start. I don't put anything past people some can pick up things amazingly fast. But definitely more of the exception than the rule.

Learning to shave is first - understanding your beard growth - building a consistent lather-mastering WTG, XTG, ATG.
At the same time learning a good stropping technique - most newbies dull their first razor right off the bat because of a poor stopping technique.
When experienced to have accomplished the above - learn to maintain your edges. A Barber's Hone or a 12k synthetic stone is what's needed.
After a year investigate honing from bevel set to shave ready and the steps needed -this is where a Mentor or Senior Member is invaluable. Sharpening a knife stops where honing a razor begins, it's the old apples and oranges.

But tantamount to success is reading in the Library and the videos and FINDING a Mentor or Senior Member for one-on-one session(s). Comb the advanced search section in the membership area for members in Great Britain. Select Senior Members that have posted recently, PM to see if they can give you some assistance.

I would just like to take this opportunity to say a big heart felt thankyou to all members that have taken the time and patience to respond with their experiences and advice message received and understood thankyou all again im off to look for a reasonably priced honing service and will be back shortly with my comments on my first SR shave I can hardly wait