Thread: Newbie Honing Question

Definitely +1 on having someone hone for you, initially... There are just so many parameters and preferences to consider. You really need to understand all the intricacies of shaving first or you will just be taking two steps back for every one forward.

Barber's Hone or similar around 8-12k is what you will be looking for but, the trouble is, just like with Shave Ready, there is a wealth of subjectivity when it comes to information and recommendations about Honing.

My suggestion... 1) Get it Honed by someone in The Classifieds here or similar skill. 2) Get really good and comfortable with all aspects of ambidextrous wet shaving. Then, sometime down the road, acquire some gear and start Honing.

Not that I nor many others have followed this advice, but it really is the best way to go.

Originally Posted by Prahston

Definitely +1 on having someone hone for you, initially... There are just so many parameters and preferences to consider. You really need to understand all the intricacies of shaving first or you will just be taking two steps back for every one forward.

Barber's Hone or similar around 8-12k is what you will be looking for but, the trouble is, just like with Shave Ready, there is a wealth of subjectivity when it comes to information and recommendations about Honing.

My suggestion... 1) Get it Honed by someone in The Classifieds here or similar skill. 2) Get really good and comfortable with all aspects of ambidextrous wet shaving. Then, sometime down the road, acquire some gear and start Honing.

Not that I nor many others have followed this advice, but it really is the best way to go.

Hahahaha!

Yeah, I feel like straight razors draw a very specific type of person. The type that isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves, dig in, and learn by trial and (lots of) error.

Originally Posted by Marshal

[/B]


Hahahaha!

Yeah, I feel like straight razors draw a very specific type of person. The type that isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves, dig in, and learn by trial and (lots of) error.

Couldn't have said it better :]

I concur with others about only really needing a12k or so after getting it pro honed. However I would just add to get a quality hone and not go cheap. Spending too much on a great tool will make you mad once. Buying a low quality tool will make you mad every time you use it.

I first started playing with straight razors about 15 years ago. All I had for hones was two barber hones--a Swaty and a Carborundum 102. After joining SRP in 2007 I got a set of Nortons and then various other hones followed, but I continued to maintain a set of razors I regularly used and kept at a gym with nothing but those two barber hones. I used the hones interchangeably and those razors have continued to shave just fine to this day.

I have not needed to reset the bevels or do any repair work. The edges have been maintained for 15 years with nothing but maintenance honing. I remember reading early on in SRP that it is easier to KEEP a razor sharp than it is to SHARPEN a razor. The point is that unless you damage your razor, a maintenance hone should be all you need to keep your razors sharp.

Haim, were you ever able to get any help from Manah?