Thread: Honing Problem

Thanks Guys

I spent tonight slowing things up and I think it has helped.I hear people talking about the razor singing. As the edge improves I seem to notice there is a scraping sound that becomes louder, is this correct? is this positive.

Regards Alan

You have to have intent with what you want to do with your razor. You have a goal and you must understand the fundamentals of that goal. When you strop your razor what is your goal? What are you trying to get the blade to do? You must examine the purpose of stroping, then you can see what it is you have to do. The stroping is a touch up of the blades edge, a maintenance procedure to re-align the edge so to speak. The pressure here is minimal in that you are not looking to strop the main part of the edge, but the very fine edge that you should take a look at under a magnifying glass. This fine edge is what you are adjusting, thus, you should use a pressure that would correspond with such a fine edge.

The singing happens when the stars are finally aligned for you, but slow down, strop with intent to align the finest edge, watch that pressure, and work evenly throughout the blade. Don't pick up the razor! Roll it over and proceed, develop a rhythm, breathe, be alert, watch the pressure! Remember, equal amounts on each side of the blade. Enjoy it, learn it, master it.

Hope that helps!

Originally Posted by ijerry

The singing happens when the stars are finally aligned for you, but slow down, strop with intent to align the finest edge, watch that pressure, and work evenly throughout the blade. Don't pick up the razor! Roll it over and proceed, develop a rhythm, breathe, be alert, watch the pressure! Remember, equal amounts on each side of the blade. Enjoy it, learn it, master it.

Hope that helps!

Wow, Jerry! That's fantastic, almost romantic prose about stropping.

Originally Posted by Jfala

Wow, Jerry! That's fantastic, almost romantic prose about stropping.

Thanks, I suppose that the entire process is an intimate experience, which is what keeps us appreciating the art of straight razor shaving. All processes are equal, and all maintain a learning curve that is to be both respected and appreciated. Every small accomplishment just renews our love for the art. Wouldn't you say?!

We are emphasizing stropping here but: if the razor is not sharp you won't get it sharp enough by stropping only. You need to hone it sharp and stropping between shaves merely helps you keep it sharp.

Originally Posted by Kees

We are emphasizing stropping here but: if the razor is not sharp you won't get it sharp enough by stropping only. You need to hone it sharp and stropping between shaves merely helps you keep it sharp.

Don't get me started on Honing...ah, the Hone; Mi Amor!