My First Hone

First off, I'd like to give a big thanks to all the members that loaded up that library with writings and videos. What a tremendous resource. I purchased several cheap and run down razors on ebay and yesterday got my Norton set of 220/1000 and 4k/8k stones as well as a naniwa 12k. Off to the races I went. After struggling to get an even bevel as the spine is bent I settled for an uneven one since there was a bevel along the entire edge. After about 2 sets of the pyramid and about 50 laps on the 12k, 50 or so (lost count) on the CrOx and then webbing and like 200 on leather I took it to the face...three passes later I can't feel a hair! Not the greatest razor, I like em wider and heavier, but I conclude my first honing to be a success as it cut hair rather well...a pretty stiff and grizzly 2.5 days growth. The best part was knowing I took this worn down shadow of a razor though and worked it into a functional tool. All due to the invaluable information and guides provided through you guys. Thanks alot, can't wait to hone the next one!

Attachment 222372

It has George Wostenholm Celebrated IXL Razor on tang. Advertised as Damascus steel but I don't know. I didn't polish or anything as this was merely a honing experiment.

Thanks again to all the members and especially those who contributed to writing and posting all the videos in the library. To all hesitant about trying honing I say jump in, plenty of info and videos in the library to get you from an eBay receipt to shave ready and BBS.

Happy Holidays

And it will only get better with more practice!!

That's a very nice starter set of hones

Congratulations its a great feeling that first time. From the looks of it you should look into correcting the heel. Will make honing easier.

How would you go about that? From what I can tell the toe bends to the left which props the heel up some makING the contact slightly less than flush. My idea of correcting it was to take steel off the toe until it flattened out, which happened a little bit, just not nearly as much as needed but the whole span of the blade did take an edge. What would you suggest?

It looks like you are hitting the stabalizer and need to reveal the heel some. This link is a great how to for that
http://straightrazorpalace.com/advan...ing-heels.html

Great part, thanks for the link!

The shave is even better off of a blade you honed yourself. Good job.
Fix the heel and use a rolling x stroke to hone it next time.