Thread: Transitioning from tools to razors

You’re all so generous. Again, transitioning from tools is quite a leap.

I didn’t expect to challenge the rough bevel Boy Scout stone. Thought the shoulder solved for that. But now that I think about it, it’s too small especially for a beginner. It did come in handy to repair a wave (smile and frown on the practice blade)

I didn’t expect any challenges with paper on the mirror.

Then there’s definitely a 4-8k gap. The 12k gives a nice mirror but I’m probably just filling it up.

Is anyone near Madison Wisconsin? I can trade beer or something to try a shave ready blade momentarily. This practice blade will cut paper in 1 mm strips…. So maybe it’s technique?

As for stropping, this is all new to me so I’ll hit the forums and YouTube.

So now I’ll off to Arkansas to find a perfectly flat soapstone naw… not even sure how to flatten such a find. But I do have a slab of marble… good ideas to try.

Adding loupe…15x is enough? Ok. On iit boss

Originally Posted by Scatterjoy

Adding loupe…15x is enough? Ok. On iit boss

Many find the Belomo 10x to be enough. It must be true magnification and good glass.
Cheap loupes do not offer what is advertised.

This is an excellent tip. eBay is full of junk and expensive stuff. I found one reasonably priced.

btw Soviet era optics had some pockets of amazing quality. Lomographic cameras produce fine cameras (that unfortunately don’t last very long). (Sorry to distract)

Originally Posted by Scatterjoy

This is an excellent tip. eBay is full of junk and expensive stuff. I found one reasonably priced.

btw Soviet era optics had some pockets of amazing quality. Lomographic cameras produce fine cameras (that unfortunately don’t last very long). (Sorry to distract)

You cant beat a Belomo.

I have bought so many loupes, 20x 40x 60x lighted. I wouldn't get a Belomo because of the cost but you know what, I listened to the guys here, I pushed the boat out and it is the absolute bees knees.
I could have got one at the start and saved a lot of money on the others that weren't great and listened to the guys that know from the start.

Forget everything else, spend your money on a Belomo Triplet 10X its all you need and it doesn't have to be so close you hit the edge.

Originally Posted by Scatterjoy

Adding loupe…15x is enough? Ok. On iit boss

For our purposes, I do not believe that there is a loupe superior to the 10x Belomo Triplet. Not only are the optical qualities of the lenses top notch, but the focal length is such that you do not have to risk contact with the razor. Field of view and magnification are just about right for honing. No, it doesn't come with an LED and a secret battery compartment. Not needed. This loupe gathers plenty of light. These used to be pretty cheap and not so cheap now, but probably still way cheaper than the equivalent quality B&L. I had used generic LED lighted loupes for some time before this was recommended to me, and it was a game changer.

Note that they make a 20x but it is NOT the same instrument. You want the Belomo Triplet in 10x. Or not. Whatever. I have an unpardonable bias toward things that work well and hit outside their weight class.

Originally Posted by Scatterjoy

This practice blade will cut paper in 1 mm strips…. So maybe it’s technique?

I would love to see the reaction but not be within a mile of you and many here if you took one of their freshly honed blades to a piece of paper!

Originally Posted by 32t

I would love to see the reaction … paper!

Ok… this is so common on YouTube for both tool sharpeners and I’ve seen a few razor fellas do it too. It is taboo… good to know.

I would like to see some of these videos.

To me using a straight on paper turns it into a letter opener.

Originally Posted by 32t

I would like to see some of these videos.

To me using a straight on paper turns it into a letter opener.

Minute 4:23 here the very first search. Ok. Now I know this too. I don’t have any relation to this dude

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lASfmYFMQ44

. It’s common to see folks prove on paper but the true test is on “tree top” free standing hair, right?