Thread: Hello Gents

Originally Posted by Steelforge

Stick with it guys, the good news is that even though they might not be shave ready now, the AoS blades are just rebadged TI's so they should be superb shavers once they're honed up.

If you don't want to try honing these yourself just yet, you could get Lynn or one of the other honemeisters to get it properly ready for you, they don't charge too much and the results are well worth it!

That is an idea I am tossing around. After the honing, then I would just have to strop about every third shave correct? Also, this hone should last for about 4 months correct? Thanks!

Originally Posted by ijerry

That is an idea I am tossing around. After the honing, then I would just have to strop about every third shave correct? Also, this hone should last for about 4 months correct? Thanks!

You should strop before every shave to help keep the edge keen.

How long the honing job lasts for will depend on your skill on the strop, your shaving technique and your beard type.

I would think that, initially while learning, you would need to rehone the razor a little more frequently. Then, less frequently as your skills improve

Originally Posted by steve

You should strop before every shave to help keep the edge keen.

How long the honing job lasts for will depend on your skill on the strop, your shaving technique and your beard type.

I would think that, initially while learning, you would need to rehone the razor a little more frequently. Then, less frequently as your skills improve

Sounds good. Thank you!

As mentioned above you need to strop before every shave, something like 20 to 30 passes although I often get bored and only do around 10.

A decent honing job should last 3 or 4 months, or more if you use several razors in rotation. Though in the early days of learning it's very easy to roll or dull your edge from poor stropping/shaving technique. You can extend life between honings by using a paddle strop pasted with an abrasive compound, which can be used every time you feel the razor getting dull. Pasted paddles are a bit easier to use than a hone for the relative newcomer, as it's more a stropping action than a honing action.

Originally Posted by Steelforge

As mentioned above you need to strop before every shave, something like 20 to 30 passes although I often get bored and only do around 10.

Actually, 50-60 careful laps IS optimal.

X

Originally Posted by xman

Actually, 50-60 careful laps IS optimal.

X

Really, does anyone actually do anywhere near that many?

I know I don't.

Originally Posted by Steelforge

Really, does anyone actually do anywhere near that many?

I know I don't.

I think X is getting that number from the Grand Experiment and/or his personal experience. I remember reading the Grand Experiment and approx. 45-60 strokes was considered optimal. However, there are others who disagree so we're back to experimenting to find what works for each individual.

Originally Posted by Steelforge

Really, does anyone actually do anywhere near that many?

I know I don't.

I generally go for 40 but thats gone to 50-60 slow and careful laps since I started with my wapienica troubles...

I don't think my honing skills are up to the job.