Celebration - With Scars

Hi Everyone,

Today, we can celebrate a first full shave after hours of chat time, rework, videos and generous guidance from Stoneandstrop & then some extra ideas from Outback.
I owe each of these gentlemen favors.

Here's the path:
I got a bunch of old razors. I sharpened them like I would sharpen a chisel. Watched some videos and tried to shave and it was not good at all. The forum squarely corrected me
So I spent some money...

And then I started over. Ebay delivered a nice set of 1k, 3k, 8k & 12K Naniwas, and a nice strop and a Belarusian Loupe, and some other fun stuff.

I continued practicing on one and then sent the rest for professional honing. That member may or may not wish to be recognized. If you do, feel free to speak up.

Thanks Stoneandstrop for extra care and guidance and encouragement!!! Thanks Outback for all the recent chats.

I achieved somewhat of a positive edge which indeed is quite different than any tool sharpening I would know. I progressed up through freshly lapped 12K and stropped the heck out of it with canvas and leather.

So then came the Zingari Man Watchman and it is lovely. I couldn't wait so I just did it slowly and carefully... It's the closest shave I've ever had. Of course there's a scar. I couldn't figure out how to do my dominant hand side under my nose... Time to study. There are some rough spots but only one red mark... so there's clearly lots to learn.

Next step is to compare my blade to some that were sent out for professional help.

I just wanted to share the celebration. It's a lovely art of patience you all introduced me to. Thanks a million.

I hope they're smoother than my own handiwork. I'll compare their edges to mine and well, now I'm looking forward to some practice.

No one is claiming to be a pro or even proficient. I wouldn't give this home-honed blade to someone to try. There's clearly some more learning. For now, my face is baby-a** smooth and there's only one cut. I'm calling it a huge success and thanks especially Stoneandstrop and then Outback.

Congrats!
Be sure to give us your opinion of your edge after using a Pro-Honed Blade. An edge can be a personnel thing meaning some like it super keen where others like it smooth and comfortable to the point you don't think its sharp until the blood is flowing. LOL.

Keep it up and in a year it will be a much easier path to a great shave.

Well done. That's a great result. Over time with patience and practice your technique will improve as will your shaves. Great stuff. :tu

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Scatterjoy

Hi Everyone,

Today, we can celebrate a first full shave after hours of chat time, rework, videos and generous guidance from Stoneandstrop & then some extra ideas from Outback.
I owe each of these gentlemen favors.

Here's the path:
I got a bunch of old razors. I sharpened them like I would sharpen a chisel. Watched some videos and tried to shave and it was not good at all. The forum squarely corrected me
So I spent some money...

And then I started over. Ebay delivered a nice set of 1k, 3k, 8k & 12K Naniwas, and a nice strop and a Belarusian Loupe, and some other fun stuff.

I continued practicing on one and then sent the rest for professional honing. That member may or may not wish to be recognized. If you do, feel free to speak up.

Thanks Stoneandstrop for extra care and guidance and encouragement!!! Thanks Outback for all the recent chats.

I achieved somewhat of a positive edge which indeed is quite different than any tool sharpening I would know. I progressed up through freshly lapped 12K and stropped the heck out of it with canvas and leather.

So then came the Zingari Man Watchman and it is lovely. I couldn't wait so I just did it slowly and carefully... It's the closest shave I've ever had. Of course there's a scar. I couldn't figure out how to do my dominant hand side under my nose... Time to study. There are some rough spots but only one red mark... so there's clearly lots to learn.

Next step is to compare my blade to some that were sent out for professional help.

I just wanted to share the celebration. It's a lovely art of patience you all introduced me to. Thanks a million.

I hope they're smoother than my own handiwork. I'll compare their edges to mine and well, now I'm looking forward to some practice.

No one is claiming to be a pro or even proficient. I wouldn't give this home-honed blade to someone to try. There's clearly some more learning. For now, my face is baby-a** smooth and there's only one cut. I'm calling it a huge success and thanks especially Stoneandstrop and then Outback.

---

Congratulations!
Minor cuts will happen as you learn. Stretch well and you will figure it out pretty quick what works and what doesn't.
I would suggest not using the linen when coming off the stones - just leather only.
After that if you feel the leather isn't working so great then hit the canvas then leather again.
Once you get a few shaves in without nicks and a smooth result you will be hooked forever.
Well done.

I don't consider myself a hone meister, but I can play along side them.

But yeah...I got his razors to clean up and hone.

Attachment 352165

The Griffon and wosty aren't gonna make the cut. Too far gone.

So we have three to work with.
The Royal, Keen Kutter is only a bevel set at 1K. This is a reference razor, that he can finish from. The other two will get honed by me.

One on a Blue/green Thurigan, the other on a J Nat. Again, to compare with. Just never know what your gonna like, till ya try.
A lot cheaper than buying a hone, and not liking the edge