Thread: Hello Gents

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.

Since I've never purchased any razors or other products from The Art Of Shaving, I can't comment on whether their razors are shave ready out of the box. I think, however, that the problem is one of both stropping and technique. It's the double whammy of str8 shaving. You're learning an entirely different way of shaving and also mastering the correct way to strop a razor. Both need to be approached slowly and carefully. As far as stropping is concerned, do it slowly in order to acquire the muscle memory to do it both quickly AND correctly. On a hanging strop there's no sin in taking two or three extra seconds to draw the blade the length of the strop and another second or two to flip the blade over and begin the next stroke. It's a lot cheaper than sending them out to be honed! Once you get the correct motion you'll develop the speed and timing so that you'll be able to knock out 30-60 passes without worrying about rolling the edge.